Two face drug charges after U.S. 90 pursuit

A 27-year old Bayou Vista man and a 28-year old Houma woman were arrested today after narcotic detectives observed drugs thrown out of the car window during pursuit on U.S. 90 in Jeanerette, St. Mary Parish Sheriff Mark Hebert said in a news release.
—Brian Derouen, 27, of the 100 block of Polaris Street in Bayou Vista, was arrested at 12:36 a.m. Thursday on the charges of driving in the left lane, flight from an officer, possession of Schedule II (methamphetamine) with intent to distribute (over 28 grams), obstruction of justice, possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, possession of a firearm in the presence of a controlled dangerous substance, resisting an officer, no seat belt and possession of marijuana.
—Theresa Trahan, 28, of the 1400 block of Palmisano Drive in Houma, was arrested 12:36 a.m. Thursday on the charges of obstruction of justice, no seat belt, possession of Schedule II (methamphetamine) with intent to distribute (over 28 grams), possession of a firearm in the presence of a controlled dangerous substance, possession of marijuana and possession of drug paraphernalia.
Detectives with the St. Mary Parish Sheriff’s Narcotics Division observed a vehicle traveling in the left lane east bound on U.S. 90 in Jeanerette. The vehicle continued to travel in the left lane for several miles impeding the flow of traffic.
Detectives contacted a patrol deputy to conduct a traffic stop. The deputy initiated the stop, however, the driver, later identified as Derouen, failed to pull over. The deputy and detectives pursued the vehicle and saw that neither Derouen nor the passenger, later identified as Trahan, were wearing seat belts.
Detectives also observed items being thrown from the passenger side window. The driver then pulled onto the shoulder of the road and detectives made contact with Derouen, who initially refused to comply with orders to unlock the vehicle. Detectives detained both Derouen and Trahan for further investigation.
Detectives recovered the items thrown from the vehicle, which included methamphetamine with a street value of approximately $7,500, a bag of marijuana and a loaded firearm. Through the course of the investigation, detectives learned that Derouen and Trahan traveled to New Iberia where they purchased the methamphetamine.
Derouen is a convicted felon, and Trahan was in possession of several syringes, a marijuana pipe and a marijuana grinder. The Morgan City Police Narcotics Division, Patterson Police Department and Iberia Parish Sheriff’s Narcotics Division assisted in this investigation.
Derouen and Trahan were transported to the parish jail for booking. No bail is set.
Hebert reported the following arrests:
—Brandon Hill, 33, of the 100 block of Jupiter Street in Bayou Vista, at 8:18 p.m. Wednesday on the charge for possession of marijuana.
—Trey Simoneaux, 32, of the 100 block of Hendricks Street in Patterson, at 8:18 pm Wednesday on the charge for possession of marijuana.
Detectives with the St. Mary Parish Sheriff’s Narcotics Division with the assistance of the Morgan City Police Department Narcotics Division and Patterson Police Department conducted an investigation into suspected illegal drug activity taking place at a business located in the 200 block of U.S. 90 West in Patterson.
Detectives obtained a search warrant for the business, T-1 Tattoos. During the execution of the warrant, detectives located marijuana. Two employees, Hill and Simoneaux, were arrested released on summons to appear in court on Feb. 11, 2016.
—Kesler Sauzo Benegas, 23, of the 500 block of Louisa Street in Morgan City, at 7:20 a.m. Thursday on the charges of hit and run driving and no driver’s license. A deputy working the scene of a two-vehicle crash learned from a witness that one of the drivers involved had left the area.
During the course of the crash investigation, the driver who fled returned to the scene and was identified as Benegas. Benegas was released on a summons to appear in court on Feb. 11, 2016.
—Jessica L. Ross Pearce, 26, of the 1600 block of Filmore Street in Morgan City, at 6:19 p.m. Thursday for three warrants on failure to appear for a drug court status conference.
A deputy transported Pearce from the Ouachita Parish Correctional Center to the St. Mary Parish Law Enforcement Center. Bail is set at $300,000.
Berwick Police Chief James Richard reported no arrests.
Patterson Police Chief Patrick LaSalle reported no arrests.