AGGRAVATED FLIGHT – PURSUIT – MULTIPLE OFF-ROAD VEHICLES – ARREST WARRANTS
AGGRAVATED FLIGHT – PURSUIT – MULTIPLE OFF-ROAD VEHICLES – DARRELL JOSEPH HARRIS, JR., ARREST WARRANTS – THERRON J. VERDIN, MAKI K. JOHNSON
PLATTENVILLE – Assumption Parish Sheriff Leland Falcon reports the arrest of Darrell Joseph Harris, Jr., 18, of 6414 Highway 1 Belle Rose, LA, and the issuance of arrest warrants for two individuals, arising from a traffic incident originating on LA 70 East involving numerous off-road vehicles (dirt bikes) illegally trafficking on a public roadway.
On Friday afternoon, a uniformed patrol deputy assigned to the I.C.E. detail encountered as many as 10 off-road vehicles operating at high speeds and in a reckless manner, westbound on LA 70 East. The deputy activated his emergency lights and audible systems in an attempt to stop the illegal riders. All suspects attempted to flee from the deputy continuing westbound on LA 70.
While attempting to flee, Darrell Joseph Harris, Jr, lost control of the dirt bike he was operating resulting in a temporary stop. While attempting to mount the bike again Darrell Joseph Harris, Jr., was arrested. Darrell Joseph Harris, Jr. was booked into the Assumption Parish Detention Center on charges of:
*Aggravated Flight from an Officer
*Resisting an Officer
*Reckless Operation of a Motor Vehicle
Slightly over two minutes later, the Sheriff’s Office was notified of an injury accident involving a dirt bike and an automobile on LA 70 Spur near Rouse’s Supermarket. That crash investigation is being handled by the Louisiana State Police. The driver of that off-road vehicle is identified as Therron Travis Verdin, 20, of 1012 South Sanctuary Street, Gonzales, LA and was one of the violators who fled from the original incident. At the time of that crash, Therron Travis Verdin was not being pursued by any law enforcement personnel and was nearly four (4) miles west of the original incident. Additionally, the off-road vehicle Verdin was operating was reported stolen from Jackson, Mississippi.
In connection with the original incident on LA 70 East, deputies have filed criminal charges on Therron Travis Verdin on counts on:
*Aggravated Flight from an Officer
*Reckless Operation of a Motor Vehicle
Deputies intend to arrest Verdin once he is released from medical treatment.
Deputies have also filed arrest warrants charging Maki Kyree Johnson, 20, of 111 Gold Street, Napoleonville, LA, on counts of:
* Aggravated Flight from an Officer
*Reckless Operation of a Motor Vehicle
Deputies are seeking to arrest Maki Kyree Johnson.
Darrell Joseph Harris, Jr., posted a $35,000 commercial bond.
Sheriff’s Deputies are continuing their efforts to identify additional suspects and more charges are possible.
For additional information concerning this News Release, contact Sheriff Leland Falcon or Public Information Officer, Lonny Cavalier at (985) 498-9353 or (985) 369-2912.
