A pursuit involving multiple law enforcement agencies came to a safe conclusion on Interstate 49 in DeSoto Parish after Louisiana State Police successfully deployed spike strips, according to the DeSoto Parish Sheriff’s Office.
On Wednesday, Aug. 19, DeSoto Parish Dispatch was notified by the Natchitoches Parish Sheriff’s Office of a pursuit involving a silver 2012 Honda CR-V traveling northbound on I-49 toward DeSoto Parish.
Natchitoches Parish authorities later advised that they had terminated their pursuit and asked DeSoto Parish law enforcement agencies to remain alert for the vehicle.
Shortly afterward, the DeSoto Parish Sheriff’s Office Aviation Unit located a vehicle matching the description traveling northbound on I-49. The department’s Real-Time Crime Center assisted in confirming that the vehicle spotted from the air was the same vehicle involved in the earlier pursuit.
DPSO patrol deputies then located the vehicle and attempted to conduct a traffic stop after observing it traveling at a high rate of speed. According to the Sheriff’s Office, the driver did not stop and continued fleeing, resulting in another pursuit.
The DPSO Aviation Unit maintained visual contact with the vehicle from the air and provided information to deputies on the ground.
Louisiana State Police joined the pursuit and successfully deployed spike strips near the 185-mile marker, just south of the Highway 175 exit. According to DPSO, the spike strips brought the pursuit to a safe and quick conclusion.
The investigation remains ongoing, and charges are pending. Additional details may be released at a later time.
Sheriff Jayson Richardson commended the DPSO Patrol Division, Aviation Unit, Real-Time Crime Center and Dispatch, along with Louisiana State Police, for their response.
“This incident is a great example of what can be accomplished when multiple agencies and divisions work together,” Richardson said. “What began as a dangerous situation was brought to a peaceful and safe conclusion because everyone involved worked together and communicated effectively. I am proud of the way our people handled this incident.”
The information was released by DeSoto Parish Sheriff’s Office Public Information Officer Deputy Mark Pierce.