PINEVILLE, La. — A Pineville man is in custody after an overnight search involving several law enforcement units. The Rapides Parish Sheriff’s Office identified the suspect as 28-year-old Cameron Malik Key.
The incident began around 8 p.m. September 22 on Westbrook Street. Deputies responded to a reported disturbance involving a firearm. According to RPSO, a victim said a verbal altercation with Key became physical.
Investigators allege Key punched the victim before getting a handgun and pointing it at the victim. Key then allegedly fled into a wooded area before deputies arrived.
Deputies Encounter Key Hours Later
After taking the initial report, deputies remained in the area searching for Key. Around 10:30 p.m., a patrol deputy located him near the 1200 block of Bayou Maria Road.
According to RPSO, the deputy attempted to detain Key for further investigation. Authorities allege Key pulled away and began physically resisting the deputy. The struggle eventually brought both men to the ground.
RPSO said Key repeatedly refused commands to remove his hands from his waistband. The deputy then deployed a Taser, but authorities said it was ineffective.
Investigators allege Key continued struggling before pulling a firearm from his waistband. He then fled on foot toward Westbrook Street. Additional deputies searched throughout the night and early morning but did not locate him.
Search Expands Across the Area
Sheriff’s detectives continued investigating and obtained several arrest warrants for Key. Those warrants included charges connected to the original battery and aggravated assault allegations.
The search expanded during the following day. The U.S. Marshals Service Violent Offender Task Force joined RPSO detectives in searching the area and executing warrants.
RPSO’s RADE Unit, Crime Suppression Unit and SWAT Team also participated. Louisiana Probation and Parole assisted with the operation.
K-9 Team Locates Key
Around 2:30 p.m., RPSO K-9 teams located Key. Authorities said a brief foot pursuit followed before deputies took him into custody without further incident.
Key was booked into the Rapides Parish Detention Center on several charges. They include battery, aggravated assault with a firearm and aggravated resisting a police officer with force or violence.
He also faces aggravated assault upon a police officer and battery of a police officer. Other charges include carrying a firearm by a convicted felon and two counts of criminal damage to property.
RPSO reported Key remained jailed on a $551,000 bond when the agency issued its release. Detectives said the investigation remains ongoing, and additional charges could be added.
RPSO credited its patrol deputies, detectives, Crime Suppression Unit and SWAT Team for their work. The agency also recognized Louisiana Probation and Parole and the U.S. Marshals Service Violent Offender Task Force.
All Persons Are Presumed Innocent Until Proven Guilty In A Court Of Law Or Administrative Action.
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