Alexandria, LA (12/8/2022) – According to Rapides Aread Drug Enforcement (RADE), on December 6th, 2022 at approximately 7 pm, a K9 Deputy assigned to the RADE Unit observed a black Ford Mustang driving recklessly on Dallas Street. The deputy activated his overhead lights to initiate a traffic stop and immediately heard three gunshots coming from what he believed was the driver and sole occupant of the black Mustang.
A pursuit ensued, eventually including other fully marked RADE and RPSO Crime Suppression Units working in the area. The vehicle pursuit concluded when the driver of the Ford Mustang, later identified as Thawri Sameer Zeidian, 20, of Alexandria, hit a curb on Dartmouth Street which rendered the vehicle immobile. Zeidian fled on foot carrying a black backpack but leaving his wallet (with his LA Driver’s License), his cell phone, and a 9mm pistol inside the car.
Deputies quickly learned that Zeidian fled to his house at 1720 Bush Avenue, one block from the crash location. Deputies also learned that Zeidan had access to a rifle in the residence.
Arrest warrants for Zeidian were obtained along with two search warrants, one for the Ford Mustang and one for his residence at 1720 Bush Avenue. Due to the violent nature of the alleged actions and the access to a rifle, the RPSO SWAT Team was called out to execute the search warrant at 1720 Bush Avenue.
After several hours of attempting to communicate with Zeidian, at just past midnight, Zeidan walked outside, surrendered, and was taken into custody without any further incident by SWAT Team deputies. RADE Agents searched the residence and located the black backpack containing approximately two and one-half ounces of marijuana, a digital scale, and a semiautomatic rifle.
Thawri Sameer Zeidian was arrested and booked into the Rapides Parish Detention Center. Zeidan was later released on December 7th on a $100,500.00 bond.
RADE Agents say their investigation is still ongoing, and both firearms will be sent to the North Louisiana Crime Lab for further investigation through the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearm’s National Integrated Ballistic Information Network (NIBIN).
Arrestee:
Thawri Sameer Zeidian, 20
Alexandria, LA
Charges:
Reckless operation of a vehicle
Illegal use of a weapon
Flight from an officer
Aggravated assault upon a peace officer
Possession with intent to distribute CDS I (marijuana) <2.5 pounds
Illegal carry of a firearm with drugs
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A law enforcement-related agency has provided this information as public information. Persons named or shown in photographs or video 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.
