DESOTO PARISH — A lengthy narcotics investigation conducted by the Tri-Parish Drug Task Force resulted in the arrest of a Mansfield man on multiple felony drug charges and the seizure of approximately one-quarter pound of suspected methamphetamine.
According to the DeSoto Parish Sheriff’s Office, the investigation concluded on the evening of July 9, when agents obtained felony arrest warrants for Dewayne Partner, 41, of Mansfield, charging him with 10 counts of distribution of methamphetamine.
Investigators said agents observed Partner leaving a residence associated with the investigation and entering a vehicle. Members of the DeSoto Parish Sheriff’s Office Street Level Interdiction Unit (SLIU) attempted a traffic stop, but authorities say Partner fled, leading deputies on a vehicle pursuit.
The pursuit ended on Maplewood Drive in Mansfield, where Partner reportedly abandoned the vehicle and attempted to flee on foot before being taken into custody without further incident.
At the same time, members of the DeSoto Parish Sheriff’s Office SWAT Team, assisted by Tri-Parish Drug Task Force agents, executed search warrants at three Mansfield residences believed to have been used in connection with illegal narcotics distribution.
During the searches, investigators seized approximately one-quarter pound of suspected methamphetamine, according to the Sheriff’s Office.
Authorities said two additional arrests were made during the operation:
Melvin Partner, 54, of Mansfield, was arrested on a fugitive warrant for aggravated assault with a firearm.
Melvalicia Meshelle Wilson, 31, of Mansfield, was arrested on existing DeSoto Parish warrants, as well as charges of possession of Schedule II (methamphetamine) and possession of drug paraphernalia.
In addition to the previously issued warrants charging him with 10 counts of distribution of methamphetamine, Dewayne Partner was also booked on charges including:
Possession of a Controlled Dangerous Substance with Intent to Distribute
Resisting an Officer by Flight
Reckless Operation of a Vehicle
Possession of Drug Paraphernalia
Second or Subsequent OffensesAll three individuals were transported to the DeSoto Parish Detention Center following their arrests.
The Tri-Parish Drug Task Force, which serves DeSoto, Sabine, and Red River parishes, said it remains committed to investigating and disrupting illegal narcotics trafficking throughout the region.
Anyone with information about illegal drug activity is encouraged to contact the Tri-Parish Drug Task Force or the DeSoto Parish Sheriff’s Office through P3Tips or Crime Stoppers.
Editor’s Note: An arrest is an allegation of criminal conduct based on probable cause. All individuals are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law.