On Sunday, November 16th, at approximately 3:45 p.m., the DeSoto Parish Sheriff’s Office was notified by Louisiana State Police Troop E and Natchitoches Parish Sheriff’s Office of a high-speed pursuit entering DeSoto Parish from Natchitoches Parish on Interstate 49. The pursuit stemmed from an earlier disturbance in Robeline, LA.

Deputies with DeSoto Parish Sheriff’s Office were dispatched to the south end of the parish to engage with the fleeing suspects as they traveled north into the parish. The fleeing vehicle exited I49 at the Asseff Road interchange and traveled for some distance before it eventually reached a dead-end behind a locked gate. Two occupants remained in the vehicle, while two male suspects fled into the woods just as DeSoto deputies arrived on scene. DeSoto immediately deployed the Sheriff’s Office K-9, Aerial Helicopter, and Drone Divisions to engage in a foot pursuit through a heavily wooded area on the east side of I-49. The DeSoto PIO was contacted at 3:55 p.m. to issue a public safety alert through the DeSoto Sheriff App and Facebook page to keep residents informed of any potential dangers as the search unfolded.

K-9’s Clyde, Karen, and Cujo, along with their respective handlers, began tracking through thick brush following both suspects, while from above, two drone operators and helicopter Pilot/TFO provided heat-seeking overwatch and spotlight, giving ground teams critical visibility during the search. K-9 Clyde, handlers, and an agent with Wildlife & Fisheries tracked the suspects for 4.06 miles, eventually leading teams back toward I-49. There, K-9 Cujo managed to locate both individuals concealed in dense brush, and they were taken into custody at approximately 6:05 p.m.

The suspects were identified as:
– Dewitt D. Edwards, 21yo black male from Natchitoches, LA
– Larris Edwards, 28yo black male from Natchitoches, LA

Both suspects were breifly treated at a local hospital, one for a K-9 (Cujo) bite to the arm, and the other a stab wound to the leg that he allegedly sustained prior to the beginning of the pursuit. They were subsequently transported to the DeSoto Parish Detention Center and booked on the following charges:
– Aggravated Flight from an Officer
– Resisting an Officer by Flight
– Driver Not Licensed

DeSoto Sheriff Jayson Richardson extends his thanks to everyone involved in this search as each showed the utmost professionalism and clear communication in securing public safety. Our K-9 handlers, Sgt. Blake McCoy and Cpl. Kelby Pearah, along with numerous deputies on patrol and others who arrived hours prior to their shift to assist…worked diligently through rough terrain to ensure these suspects were located and apprehended accordingly. We also extend a special thanks to our DeSoto Dispatchers who played a pivotal role in communication between agencies and identifying the suspects. And finally, to Louisiana State Police Troop E, the Natchitoches Parish Sheriff’s Office, and Louisiana Wildlife & Fisheries, whose agent remained with DPSO’s K-9 teams for the entire 4.06-mile track. Everyone’s cooperation and dedication were critical to the safe resolution of this incident.