By Pat Culverhouse
A Homer man has learned that parking lots are intended for parking, not as avenues of attempted escape from local law enforcement officers.
Chief of Police Jared McIver said 28-year-old Montrell Keshun Frazier drove through four parking lots along the Homer Rd. area in an apparent attempt to avoid being pulled over by a patrol officer.
McIver said Officer Fabian Carter was patrolling on Fort St. when he noticed Frazier’s vehicle was sporting an expired registration sticker. Frazier reportedly turned into the Mike’s Liquor parking lot when the officer followed.
Frazier reportedly drove through the Mike’s parking lot, exited onto Homer Rd. and immediately turned into the McDonald’s lot. After exiting McDonald’s, Frazier reportedly crossed Homer Rd. into Park City Shopping Center, drove the length of the parking lot and exited again onto Homer Rd.
Officers followed the vehicle east on Homer Rd. where it turned into the Shoe Dept. parking lot at Minden Shopping Center and finally stopped.
A strong odor of marijuana reportedly was noticed coming from inside the vehicle as officers approached. Officers reportedly observed Frazier moving inside the vehicle in what appeared to be an effort to conceal items.
When Frazier reportedly was observed placing his hands inside his shorts, officers searched and located a clear baggie containing approximately five grams of natural marijuana. The search also uncovered cigars commonly used to roll narcotics.
A background check reportedly revealed Frazier was the subject of an active fugitive warrant issued by the Claiborne Parish Sheriff’s Office.
Frazier is charged with simple possession of CDS Sch. I (marijuana), possession of drug paraphernalia, driving under suspension, obstruction of justice, improper turn, expired registration and on the warrant from Claiborne Parish.
He is being held at Bayou Dorcheat Correctional Center under a $4,450 bond.
This information has been provided by a law enforcement agency as public information. Persons named as suspects in a criminal investigation, or arrested and charged with a crime, have not been convicted of any criminal offense and are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.