Sheriff: Deputy saw man steal from Bayou Vista store

Two 26-year-old Morgan City men were arrested Wednesday on shoplifting and traffic charges, St. Mary Parish Sheriff Mark Hebert said in a news release.

—Dontrell Lewis, 26, of Robin Street in Morgan City, was arrested at 7:31 p.m. Wednesday on a charge for theft of goods.

—Brandon Durkins , 26, of Mallard Lane in Morgan City, was arrested at 8:32 p.m. Wednesday on the charges of no driver’s license, no insurance, no proof of registration in vehicle, switched license plate and five warrants from Houma City Court for failure to appear on seatbelt violations and no driver’s license.

A deputy responded to a report of shoplifting at a store in Bayou Vista. The deputy observed a male subject, identified as Lewis, walking in and out of the store taking items without paying for them and concealing them in a vehicle.

The vehicle then left the parking lot of the store. The deputy stopped the car and made contact with the driver, identified as Durkins, and Lewis.

During the investigation into the stolen goods, the deputy found that Durkins was driving the vehicle with a switched license plate, no registration and no insurance. The deputy also located active warrants for Durkins out of Houma.

The deputy recovered the stolen items which included clothing and toys valued at just over $180. Lewis was released on a summons to appear in court March 8. Durkins was transported to the parish jail for booking. No bail is set.

Hebert reported responding to 25 complaints and reported the following arrests in east St. Mary Parish:

—Matthew Batiste, 58, of Oregon Street in Berwick, was arrested at 8:17 p.m. Wednesday on the charges of improper lane usage, general speed law, flight from an officer, obstruction of justice, possession of marijuana, hydrocodone with intent to distribute, Percocet with intent to distribute, and possession of a controlled dangerous substance in the presence of a minor.

— Morrianne Hatcher, 26, of Garber Street in Morgan City, was arrested at 8:17 p.m. Wednesday on a charge for possession of marijuana.

Detectives with the St. Mary Parish Sheriff’s Office Narcotics Section observed a vehicle traveling 80 miles per hour in a posted 70 miles per hour zone on U.S. 90 in the Centerville area.

Detectives also observed the vehicle cross over the fog line multiple times. Detectives and a deputy patrolling the area initiated a traffic stop. The driver failed to pull over.

While following the vehicle, detectives observed the driver throwing small white objects from the window. The driver of the vehicle then stopped.

Detectives made contact with the occupants and observed a passenger, later identified as Hatcher, in possession of marijuana. The driver, Batiste, and Hatcher were detained.

Detectives also checked on the welfare of a toddler who was inside the vehicle. During the investigation, detectives found evidence that Batiste had attempted to eat a marijuana cigarette.

Detectives retrieved the illegal substance. During a search of the car, detectives located a prescription pill bottle containing over 3 dozen hydrocodone pills and a Percocet pill. Batiste was unable to provide a prescription for the drugs.

Detectives then found evidence that Batiste was selling the medication. Batiste was transported to the parish jail for booking. No bail is set. Hatcher was released on a summons to appear in court March 8.

—Lionel Jones, 34, of Bertrand Street in Napoleonville, was arrested at 4:51 a.m. Thursday for speeding and driving with a suspended license.

A deputy working radar on U.S. 90 in Berwick observed a vehicle traveling 64 miles per hour in a posted 55 miles per hour zone. The deputy made a traffic stop and spoke with the driver, identified as Jones.

The deputy found that Jones was operating the vehicle with a suspended driver’s license. Jones was released on a summons to appear in court March 8.

Morgan City Police James Blair reported the following arrests:

—Joshua M. LaCoste , 42, of La. 182 in Morgan City, was arrested at 9:40 a.m. Wednesday on warrants for possession of synthetic marijuana, drug paraphernalia and a controlled dangerous substance in the presence of persons under 17 years of age.

LaCoste was located by officers at a residence on La. 182 where he was arrested on active warrants held by the Morgan City Police Department.

The warrants were obtained from an investigation conducted by Morgan City Police of an incident on Nov. 12, which alleged that LaCoste possessed marijuana and drug paraphernalia while in the presence of a juvenile.

LaCoste was transported to the Morgan City Jail where he was booked and incarcerated.

—Louis Aucoin Jr., 46, of La. 182 in Morgan City, was arrested at 9:50 a.m. Wednesday on a warrant for theft.

Aucoin was transported from the Lafourche Parish Detention Center to the Morgan City Police Department in regard to an active warrant held by Morgan City Police.

The warrant was obtained from an investigation conducted by Morgan City Police of an incident reported on March 29 of an alleged theft. Aucoin was booked into the Morgan City Jail and incarcerated.

— Jahmarcus L. Paddio , 20, of Freret Street in Morgan City, was arrested at 11:29 a.m. Wednesday on a warrant for entering or remaining in places after being forbidden.

Paddio was located by officers at a residence on Freret Street where he was arrested on an active warrant held by the Morgan City Police Department.

The warrant was obtained from an investigation conducted by Morgan City Police of an incident reported Oct. 9 of alleged entering or remaining in places after being forbidden.

Paddio was transported to the Morgan City Jail where he was booked and incarcerated.

—Lisa K. Vasseur , 50, of Trey Daniel Road in Gonzales, was arrested at 11:32 p.m. Wednesday on the charges of driving while intoxicated third offense, obstructing a public passage, and possession of an alcoholic beverage inside a motor vehicle.

An officer responded to the intersection of Franklin and Cedar streets in regard to a vehicle stopped in the middle of the roadway.

The officer arrived and located the described vehicle and the officer observed a female in the driver’s seat, identified as Vasseur .

During a traffic investigation, reports indicate that Vasseur was suspected to have been drinking and was believed to be intoxicated.

Vasseur was transported to the Morgan City Police Department for further chemical testing where Vasseur refused the Intoxilyzer 5000. Vasseur was arrested and booked into the Morgan City Jail where she was incarcerated.

Berwick Police James Richard reported no arrests.

Patterson Police Chief Patrick LaSalle reported no arrests.