Sheriff: Unattended running vehicles leads to arrest

A 34-year-old Bayou Vista man was arrested on several drug charges this morning after an investigation that began when a sheriff’s deputy found an unoccupied vehicle in Bayou Vista with the engine running, St. Mary Parish Sheriff Mark Hebert said in a news release.
—Marc Ramsey, 34, of the 600 block of Clarke Road in Bayou Vista, was arrested at 3:20 a.m. today on the charges of possession of Schedule I marijuana, possession of drug paraphernalia, violation of a controlled dangerous substance law (drug free zone) and possession of Legend Drug quetiapine without a prescription.
A deputy assigned to patrol the Bayou Vista area observed an unattended vehicle with its engine running and driver side door open parked in the lane of traffic on Clarke Road.
During the investigation into the unoccupied vehicle, the deputy made contact with Ramsey at his address and developed information that illegal drug activity was occurring inside the residence, Hebert said. The deputy located two small bags of marijuana, a marijuana cigarette, a glass pipe, and quetiapine pills at the location, Hebert said. Ramsey was jailed with no bail set.
Hebert reported responding to 32 complaints in the parish and reported the following arrests in east St. Mary Parish:
—Kaccie B. Martin, 18, of the 100 block of Westside Park Lane in Amelia, at 11:35 a.m. Wednesday on the charge of violation of the parish leash law. A deputy responded to an animal complaint on Westside Park Lane. During the course of the investigation, the deputy determined that a dog under the care of Martin exited a residence, crossed the street, and bit another dog in a nearby yard. The deputy issued a summons to Martin to appear in court July 22.
—Michael D. Ruffin Sr., 44, of the 100 block of Poncio Street in Morgan City, at 9:36 p.m. Wednesday on a warrant charging him with issuing worthless checks. A deputy conducting a traffic stop in the Franklin area made contact with Ruffin and learned of the active warrant for his arrest. The deputy released Ruffin on a summons to appear in court July 22.
—Son Nguyen, 40, of the 600 block of Cypress Street in Amelia, at 11:36 p.m. Wednesday on the charge of driving under suspension third offense. A deputy assigned to patrol the Amelia area observed Nguyen driving a vehicle on Barrow Street. The deputy had prior knowledge that Nguyen’s license had been suspended and stopped the vehicle, Hebert said. Nguyen was jailed and released on a summons to appear in court July 22.
Morgan City Assistant Police Chief Mark Griffin Jr. reported the following arrest:
—Nikki Dupree, 31, of Morgan City, at 10:42 a.m. Wednesday on a warrant charging her with contempt of court.
Officers located Dupree and placed her under arrest for warrants from the 16th Judicial District Court. Dupree was transported to the Morgan City Police Department where she was booked and later released after posting bond.
Patterson Police Chief Patrick LaSalle reported the following arrest:
—Monica Charles, 36, of the 1400 block of Live Oak Street in Patterson, at 7:09 p.m. Wednesday on the charge of criminal mischief. Charles was released on her own recognizance.
Berwick Police Chief James Richard reported no arrests.

This story was written by Zachary Fitzgerald of The Daily Review staff. Reach him at zfitzgerald@daily-review.com