HESSMER, La. – On October 23, 2025, at approximately 3:41 AM, an Avoyelles Parish Sheriff’s Deputy conducted a routine patrol near Hessmer. The deputy noticed a man riding a bicycle on the sidewalk of Highway 115 near the APM gas station. The cyclist wore a mask that concealed his face.
The deputy initiated a traffic stop, and the cyclist briefly stopped before fleeing the scene. The deputy pursued the suspect from Highway 115 onto Highway 114 westbound. The man engaged a motor on his bicycle, reaching speeds of up to 36 miles per hour. Near the intersection of Highway 114 and T-Williams Road, the suspect abandoned the bike and fled on foot.
After a brief chase, the deputy apprehended the suspect, who resisted arrest before being safely detained. The individual was identified as 36-year-old Nicholas D. Lavalais of Hessmer, Louisiana. Deputies confirmed Lavalais was a wanted fugitive.
Court records show that Lavalais pled guilty on September 8, 2025, in the 12th Judicial District Court to Possession of a Firearm by a Convicted Felon and Possession of Schedule I CDS (Heroin). He was ordered to begin serving his concurrent sentences on September 15 but failed to report, prompting a warrant for his arrest.
BOLO for Lavalais
The Marksville Police Department had also issued a BOLO for Lavalais, who was wanted for several recent crimes, including Felony Theft of a Motor Vehicle, Simple Burglary, Criminal Damage to Property, and Criminal Mischief. Authorities noted his criminal record spans 22 pages, excluding new charges, and classified him as a violent offender.
Lavalais was booked into the Avoyelles Parish Sheriff’s Office DC-1 facility. His charges include the fugitive warrant, flight from an officer, resisting an officer, and possession of synthetic cannabinoids, among others. He will remain in custody and face additional court dates.
Sheriff David L. Dauzat praised the deputy’s quick actions and bravery. “This arrest highlights that even routine encounters can become dangerous,” Dauzat said. “Our deputies remain committed to finding and arresting those who endanger our community.”
Anyone with information about criminal activity in Avoyelles Parish is urged to contact the Sheriff’s Office at (318) 253-4000.
All suspects are presumed innocent until proven guilty in court.
