Police: Refusal to stop leads to drug, traffic charges

A 30-year-old Morgan City man was arrested Monday after refusing to stop for police officers and accused of possessing marijuana, Morgan City Police Chief James Blair said in a news release.

— Rayfield Grant Jr., 30, of Front Street in Morgan City, was arrested at 7:42 a.m. Monday on the charges of improper equipment (obscured license plate), driving under suspension, no vehicle insurance, no vehicle inspection sticker, flight from an officer, possession of marijuana, and violation of uniform controlled dangerous substance laws.

Grant also was named in warrants for criminal damage to property, failure to appear for simple battery, probation violation, failure to appear for criminal damage to property, failure to appear for simple battery, and probation violation for domestic abuse battery.

A patrolling officer observed a vehicle traveling in the area of Federal Avenue near Terrebonne Street with a covering over the license plate, making it obscured from view.

The officer attempted to conduct a traffic stop when the vehicle refused to stop and began to flee from the officer.

The officer chased the vehicle several blocks when the vehicle pulled into a residence at the intersection of Front Street near Terrebonne Street. The officer made contact with the driver of the vehicle, identified as Grant.

During an investigation, Grant’s behavior made the officer suspicious of his possible involvement in illegal drug activity. A search of the vehicle was conducted when the officer located suspected marijuana and drug paraphernalia.

Reports further indicated that Grant had a suspended driver’s license and that the vehicle had no insurance or motor vehicle inspection sticker.

A warrant check revealed that there were several active warrants for Grant through the Morgan City Police Department, 6th Ward Morgan City City Court and the 16th Judicial District Court.

Grant was placed under arrest and transported to the Morgan City Police Department where he was booked and jailed.

Blair also reported the following arrests:

—Sir Charles Evans, 37, of Seventh Street in Morgan City, was arrested at 2:43 p.m. Monday on the charge of criminal damage to property and a warrant for criminal trespassing.

An officer responded to a residence on Seventh Street in regard to a report of a disturbance. The officer arrived and spoke with the owner of the residence.

The owner told the officer that Evans, during an argument with an individual, damaged the front door to the residence.

Evidence of the damaged property was observed by the officer. According to reports, Evans told the officer that he had damaged the door.

A warrants check revealed Evans had an active warrant held by the Morgan City Police Department. The warrant was in regard to alleged criminal trespassing May 28 on Mallard Street investigated by the Morgan City Police Department.

Evans was placed under arrest and transported to the Morgan City Police Department where he was booked and jailed.

—Jasmine Quick, 29, of Walnut Drive in Morgan City, was arrested at 3:23 p.m. Monday on two counts of domestic abuse battery charges.

An officer responded to a residence on Walnut Drive in regard to a report of a domestic disturbance. The officer arrived and spoke with several witnesses to the incident.

The officer was told that Quick, during a domestic argument, became upset and allegedly committed a battery on two individuals inside the residence.

Quick was located at the residence, placed under arrest, and transported to the Morgan City Jail where she was booked and incarcerated.

Berwick Police Chief James Richard reported the following arrest:

—Christopher Sylvester, 20, of Versen Street in Berwick, was arrested at 5:23 p.m. Monday on a charge of disturbing the peace (second offense). Bail is preset at $195. Sylvester remains jailed.

Patterson Police Chief Patrick LaSalle reported no arrests.

St. Mary Parish Sheriff Mark Hebert reported responding to 35 complaints and reported no arrests in east St. Mary Parish.