Natchitoches, LA (March 10, 2024) – Natchitoches Parish Sheriff’s Office (NPSO) reports that a 43-mile pursuit, originating in Natchitoches Parish and ending in Rapides Parish, lead to the arrest of a New Orleans man on Sunday morning, March 10, 2024.
The pursuit began shortly after 11:15 a.m. when a Natchitoches Parish Sheriff’s Deputy, patrolling on I-49 near milepost #142 north of Natchitoches, attempted to stop a southbound 2007 Infiniti passenger car for speeding at 91 miles per hour in a posted 75 mph speed zone.
Deputies said that the vehicle failed to stop, continuing at speeds exceeding 125 miles per hour, at times recklessly passing other vehicles on the shoulder. The pursuit took a turn as the vehicle exited at the Cloutierville exit, returned to the interstate southbound, then exited again at the Chopin exit, maintaining its dangerous pace.
With the pursuit crossing into Rapides Parish, authorities deployed tire deflation devices along Interstate-49 to stop the fleeing vehicle. Assistance was requested from Louisiana State Police Troop-E (Alexandria) and the Rapides Parish Sheriff’s Office to manage the escalating situation.
Ultimately, the pursuit came to an end when the vehicle left the roadway and crashed on I-49 near milepost #99 at Rapides Station north of Alexandria. Although the driver initially resisted exiting the vehicle, Louisiana State Police apprehended Byron Roberts, 35, of New Orleans, without further incident at approximately 12:02 p.m.
Roberts was transported to a Rapides Parish Sheriff’s Detention Center and booked on state police charges, with a hold for the Natchitoches Parish Sheriff’s Office.
Additionally, Natchitoches Parish Sheriff’s Office deputies are in the process of securing warrants through the 10th Judicial District Court on Natchitoches Parish charges. Roberts is also wanted by the Natchitoches 10th Judicial District Court on an outstanding bench warrant for Speeding, Driving under Suspension, and Flight from an Officer.
The Natchitoches Parish Sheriff’s Office extends its gratitude to Louisiana State Police, Troop-E Alexandria, and the Rapides Parish Sheriff’s Office for their assistance in this arrest. They also commend their communication operators and patrol deputies for their role in the successful operation and eventual capture of the suspect.
There were no reported injuries as a result of the pursuit.
Credit: Natchitoches Parish Sheriff’s Office
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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 “All persons are presumed innocent until proven guilty.” or arrested and charged with a crime have not been convicted of any criminal offense. They are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
