Sheriff: Teen arrested on drug charge after fleeing traffic stop

A 17-year old Berwick man was arrested Wednesday with three others on marijuana charges after he fled the scene during a traffic stop, St. Mary Parish Sheriff Mark Hebert said in a news release.

—Kane Smith, 17, of the 100 block of Burchfield Lane in Berwick, was arrested at 7:24 p.m. Wednesday on the charges of distribution of marijuana, violation of a controlled dangerous substance law, possession of marijuana with intent to distribute, transactions involving drug proceeds and resisting an officer.

—Caleb Gros, 19, of the 100 block of Sun Road in Bayou Vista, was arrested at 7:24 p.m. Wednesday on the charges of possession of marijuana third offense, violation of the controlled dangerous substance law and obstruction of justice.

—Bree Aucoin, 21, of the 1400 block of Middle Road in Bayou Vista, was arrested at 7:24 p.m. Wednesday on the charges of possession of marijuana second offense and general speed law.

—Justin Taylor, 18, of the 200 block of Field Street in Bayou Vista, was arrested at 7:24 p.m. Wednesday on the charge of distribution of marijuana and violation of a controlled dangerous substance law.

Detectives observed a vehicle traveling 45 mph in a 35 mph zone in Centerville and conducted a traffic stop. When the vehicle stopped, Smith exited and fled on foot. The other three occupants of the vehicle, Taylor, Gros, and the driver, Aucoin, were detained pending further investigation.

The stop occurred near the school board building. A detective pursued Smith and apprehended him behind a residence on Yellow Bayou Road. Detectives located four bags of high-grade marijuana in Smith’s possession that were packaged in a manner consistent with street level drug sales.

Detectives also located a digital scale and plastic baggies in a backpack Smith was carrying. Continuing the investigation into the illegal drugs, detectives received consent to search the vehicle and located a fifth bag of marijuana in the center console. During the arrests, a detective observed Gros discard a hand rolled marijuana cigarette and attempt to conceal the illegal substance by stepping on it. All four suspects were booked into parish jail. No bail is set for Smith, Gros or Taylor. Aucoin was released on a summons to appear in court Aug. 29.

Hebert reported responding to 42 complaints in the parish and reported the following arrests in east St. Mary Parish:

—Jadi Williams, 27, of the 600 block of Seventy Nine Pines Lane in Bayou Vista, at 9:41 a.m. Thursday on a warrant charging her with domestic abuse battery. A deputy responded to a complaint of a domestic battery that occurred at a home in Bayou Vista.

The deputy collected evidence indicating that Williams pushed a male victim causing him to fall to the ground during an argument. Williams turned herself in at the St. Mary Parish Sheriff’s Office in Morgan City after learning of the warrant for her arrest. Williams was jailed with no bail set.

—Jeremy Corden, 41, of the 700 block of East Putnam Street in Erath, at 2:38 p.m. Thursday on the charges of driving under suspension, careless operation of a motor vehicle with a crash, canceled license plate and no insurance.

A deputy responded to a single vehicle crash on U.S. 90 in the Amelia area and made contact with the driver, Corden. Corden was transported to an area hospital for treatment and was later released. During the crash investigation, the deputy found that Corden was operating the car with no insurance and a suspended driver’s license. Corden was released on a summons to appear in court Aug. 29.

Morgan City Police Chief James Blair reported the following arrests:

—Randall Lejeune, 53, of Fourth Street in Morgan City, at 11:19 a.m. Thursday on a warrant for failure to return leased merchandise (valued over $1,000).

Lejeune was located in the Morgan City Court when he was arrested on an active warrant held by the Morgan City Police Department. Lejeune was booked into the Morgan City Jail and incarcerated.

—Dijon T.J. Bell, 21, of James Street in Franklin, at 1:32 p.m. Thursday on a warrant for probation violation.

Bell was arrested in the Morgan City Court regarding an active warrant held by the 6th Ward Morgan City Court. Bell was booked into the Morgan City Jail and incarcerated.

—Rosella E. Voison, 26, of Park Road in Morgan City at 11:39 p.m. Thursday on a charge for disturbing the peace intoxicated.

Officers responded to a lounge on Victor II Boulevard regarding a report of a disturbance. The officers arrived and spoke with Voisin. Several witnesses told officers that Voisin was involved in an argument with an employee of the business.

Reports indicate that Voisin appeared to be intoxicated. Voisin was observed by the officers shouting and using profane language when she was warned by the officers to stop .

Voisin ignored the officer's warning continuing to shout profanities when she was placed under arrest and transported to the Morgan City Jail . Voisin was booked and incarcerated.

Berwick Police Chief James Richard reported the following arrest:

—Ernest Stratton Jr., 53, of the 3400 block of Third Street in Berwick, at 9:53 p.m. Thursday on a warrant charging him with failure to comply with terms and conditions of drug court. No bail is set yet.

—Jason Daigle, 35, of Fourth Street in Berwick, at 2:20 p.m. Wednesday on a warrant charging him with illegal possession of stolen things. Daigle posted $500 bail.

Patterson Police Chief Patrick LaSalle reported no arrests.