RAPIDES PARISH, La. (KALB) - Two people were arrested in Rapides Parish after a 38-mile pursuit that began in Natchitoches Parish, according to the Natchitoches Parish Sheriff’s Office.
NPSO attempted to stop a 2015 GMC Yukon traveling 88 mph in a posted 75 mph zone on I-49 near the #132 mile marker on October 29, around 10:30 a.m. However, the driver fled the scene.
A pursuit began southbound on I-49. Louisiana State Police were contacted to assist. The driver of the vehicle was reaching speeds above 100 mph as the pursuit continued.
The driver avoided a tire deflation device in the Chopin area, exited the interstate, then returned to I-49 again at Lena. NPSO the vehicle hit several guardrails during the pursuit.
Eventually, the chase ended in Rapides Parish when LSP troopers deployed a tire deflation device near Rapides Station. The vehicle lost control shortly after, causing the Yukon to overturn and come to a stop on the interstate.
A man and woman fled the area on foot but were quickly taken into custody by LSP. Both suspects were taken to an Alexandria hospital for treatment of minor injuries and released.
The driver, Charidi S. Lopez, 44, of Mission, Texas, was transported and booked into the Rapides Parish Detention Center on Louisiana State Police charges.
She also faces the following Natchitoches Parish charges:
- Speeding 88/75
- Speeding 100+/75
- No Seat Belt
- Aggravated Flight from an Officer
The passenger, Wilbur L. Heard Jr., of Birmingham, Alabama, was found to be wanted in Alabama on outstanding warrants. Heard was transported and booked into the Rapides Parish Detention Center on those warrants and additional State Police charges.
“This incident shows the dangers our deputies and state troopers face daily when motorists choose to flee instead of complying with lawful orders,” said Sheriff Stuart Wright of Natchitoches Parish. “We’re grateful for the seamless coordination and support from the Louisiana State Police and the Rapides Parish Sheriff’s Office in bringing this pursuit to a safe conclusion.”
State police are still investigating the crash. KALB reached out to the Rapides Parish Sheriff’s Office for booking photos of the two suspects. We are waiting to hear back at this time.