Media Releases, Public Information

Narcotics Arrest

A traffic stop for a burnt light led to the arrest of 2 Crowley men on narcotics charges. The incident occurred at 11:39 pm on May 6, 2013.

An officer on patrol in the area of Spann Ave and West 8^th Street, observed the violation and proceeded to make a traffic stop on the vehicle. As the officer engaged his emergency lights and siren, the vehicle fled from the officer. With the assistance of other officers, the vehicle was stopped after a short pursuit.

“The officers immediately took both the driver and the passenger into custody for officer safety” stated Chief KP Gibson. “As the officers detained the occupants, the strong smell of what officers believed to be Marijuana was observed”.

Officers arrested the driver for the traffic violation as well as flight from an officer. After placing the driver under arrest, a search was completed on the vehicle where over 14 ounces of Marijuana, small plastic bags known for selling illegal narcotics and a scale were recovered. In addition, the passenger of the vehicle also had marijuana on him.

“The 14 ounces of Marijuana along with the scale and plastic bags were located in the immediate control of both persons occupying the vehicle, thus both were charged with the narcotics violation” stated Chief Gibson.

Arrested were: Orlando Lewis, 22 of Crowley and Tromone Davis, 20 of Crowley. Both men were charged with PWITD Marijuana, Possession of Drug Paraphernalia and Monies Derived from Drug Proceeds. In addition, Lewis was cited for the burnt tail light and resisting by flight as the driver of the vehicle. Both men were booked into the Acadia Parish Jail.

Narcotics Arrest

Crowley Police Narcotics Division executed a search warrant shortly before midnight (4/30/13) at a residence located in the 800 block of North Avenue E.

Members of the departments SRT (Special Response Team) made entry into the residence and secured it without incident. Narcotics agents then began a search of the residence which led to the recovery of Crack Cocaine, Marijuana and Alprazolam. Agents also recovered a firearm which had been reported stolen.

“Our personnel did an outstanding job in this matter. We have been working the suspect in this case for some time. Each time we would get close to arresting him he would fee, evading arrest by our officers. However, last night he had nowhere to go as SRT secured the residence quickly and without incident” stated Chief of Police KP Gibson.

Arrested was Akeem Ross, 23 of Crowley. Ross has been charged with PWITD Crack Cocaine, PWITD Marijuana, PWITD Alprazolam, Possession of a Stolen Firearm, Convicted Felon in Possession of a Firearm and Monies Derived from Drug Proceeds, all which stem from the search of the residence. Crowley Police also served several other arrest warrants which Ross had been fleeing from.

“Ross has been arrested on 6 other occasions regarding narcotics violations. Our efforts will not stop against this illegal industry” stated Chief Gibson.

Alcohol Compliance Check

The Crowley Police Department – Compliance Division recently completed a compliance check on local convenience stores for sales of alcohol to persons underage.

“During this compliance check, 13 stores were visited with a person who was between the age of 18 – 20 years of age. The goal is to confirm that the clerk checks the identification of the person and denies the person the sale of alcohol” stated Chief KP Gibson.

Of the 13 stores checked, 3 were found to not be in compliance. Those stores were Fatboys on West 2^nd Street, Korky’s on Western Ave and Express 90 on East 2^nd Street. The clerks who sold the alcohol at each store were issued a summons for unlawful sales to persons underage.

“These checks will occur periodically and we want to assure our citizens that we are working to prevent our youth from unlawfully drinking as well as our stores for unlawful sales” stated Chief Gibson.

Murder Charge

Crowley Police responded to a shooting incident Sunday morning in the 400 block of West 9^th Street which has left a Crowley man dead.

Officers responded to the call at 8:58 am. Upon arrival, officers discovered that a person had been shot in the head during the disturbance. The victim was transported to a Lafayette Hospital where he died Sunday afternoon.

The investigation at this point reveals that an argument occurred between the victim and suspect inside the residence. During the disturbance, the suspect retrieved a firearm and shot the victim.

Charged with 2^nd Degree Murder was Clyde Milstead III, 28 of Crowley. He has been booked into the Acadia Parish Jail.

The victim has been identified as 21 year old Jerrell Andrus of Crowley.

Bomb Threat

Crowley Police responded to a complaint at Wal Greens regarding a bomb threat. (Sunday evening)

Officers responded and management advised that a subject was asked to leave due to previous problems in the store. The subject left prior to police arrival, however made comments regarding finding the bomb before it explodes (detonates) to the manager.

“Our officers went through the building and confirmed there was no devise inside. We take these threats serious and even though majority are false, we choose not to place our businesses or citizens in harms way.”

The suspect has been identified as Sy Suire, 32 of Estherwood. Suire has arrested with the assistance of Estherwood Police. He is currently being booked into the Acadia Parish Jail for one count of Terrorizing.

DNA Solves Crimes

You never know when a case may be solved, especially cold cases. But when police get information which sheds some light on a cold case, not only does the case begin to breathe but so does the officer working the case.

“During the last month, we have had two (2) cold cases which evidence has given us leads to reopen the cases. DNA evidence has recently helped bring new life to these cases” stated Chief KP Gibson.

The two cases date back to a 2008 residential burglary and a 2012 attempted burglary of a business. “Although evidence has been obtained in the 2012 case, additional follow up is needed and our assigned investigator is working on it. In regard to the 2008 burglary, DNA evidence has linked a Crowley man to the crime and a warrant has been issued for his arrested” stated Chief KP Gibson.

Chad Thibodeaux, 34 of Crowley has been identified as this suspect and is wanted for the crime of burglary. Thibodeaux has been hiding from law enforcement officials as he has been sought for other crimes in recent months. Thibodeaux is no stranger to the criminal justice system. Thibodeaux’s criminal history dates back to 1995 and he has been charged on multiple occasions with burglary, theft, narcotics and other crimes. Thibodeaux has also served several stints in jail related to the listed crimes.

“Crime Stoppers will pay a cash reward for information which leads to the arrest of Chad Thibodeaux. Callers will remain anonymous and can call 789-TIPS (8477)” stated Chief Gibson.

Vehicle Burglary Arrest

A burglar was taken off the streets of Crowley with the assistance of the public and good observations by patrol officers.

On April 9^th at 1:49 am, officers were called to the area of Wright Ave regarding a suspicious person possibly breaking into vehicles. The caller provided information regarding the subject and his clothing to assist officers.

As officers were in route, they combed the area and located a subject matching the description given to them by the caller. As officer’s stopped the subject, they discovered that the subject was in possession of a shotgun within a case. “The officer’s immediately detained this subject pending additional investigation, during which time the firearm was determined to have been stolen from a vehicle where the suspect was observed by the caller” stated Chief KP Gibson.

The suspect was arrested for burglary and felon in possession of a firearm. Booked into the Acadia Parish Jail was Joseph Etienne, 36 of Crowley. Etienne is no stranger to criminal activity as he has been charged numerous times with theft, burglary and narcotics violations. Etienne has also served time on several occasions for these crimes.

“Our office will work with the District Attorney’s Office to see if Etienne can be tried as a Habitual Offender with enhanced penalties” stated Chief KP Gibson. “I would also like to express my gratitude to the caller and the officer’s for bringing this career criminal to justice”.

Vehicle Check Point

On Friday, March 15, 2013, the Crowley Police Department’s Compliance Unit held vehicle checkpoints in several areas within the city of Crowley.

Three locations were utilized for the check point. These locations are identified as Standard Mill at South Eastern Ave., FL Johnson at W. Hutchinson Ave. and North Ave H at East 6^th Street. “Our goal of running the check points are to assure that vehicles have required insurance, that all vehicles are safe to operate, and that all inspections, registrations and drivers licenses are up to date” stated Chief KP Gibson.

During the operation, 300 vehicles were checked through the check points.

A total of 13 citations were issued during the 5 hour event. Citations were issued for:

7 No Driver’s License

2 Expired Inspection Stickers

1 Unsafe Vehicle

1 Switched License Plate

1 No Insurance

1 Expired Registration

“This event was successful and our intention is to make the streets of Crowley safe in all aspects, including vehicle safety” stated Chief Gibson.

Narcotics Arrest

Crowley Police have arrested 3 Crowley citizens involved in the illegal narcotics trade which plagues our city.

During a traffic stop on a vehicle at the intersection of East Elm Street and South Ave I, officers discovered that the occupants of the vehicle were in possession of three (3) different types of pills. “We are dealing with a large amount of prescription medication abuse. People are buying and selling prescribed medication at a higher rate than ever” stated Chief KP Gibson.

During the traffic stop, Oxycodone, Lortab and Alprazolam were recovered. Charged with possession of these illegal drugs were:

Jason Deshotel, 29 of Crowley, Megan LeJeune, 23 of Crowley and Doris Jay Latiolas, 59 of Crowley. All suspects were booked into the Acadia Parish Jail.

Narcotics Arrest

A Tuesday afternoon traffic stop led to the recovery of numerous illegal narcotics here in the city of Crowley. Crowley Police Narcotics Agents made a traffic stop on a vehicle in the 300 block of North Western Ave.

As the vehicle was stopping, a subject identified as Akeem Ross fled from the vehicle. A second subject, who was driving, identified as Casey Dugar was detained at the scene pending an investigation.

During the investigation, a variety of narcotics was located in the vehicle. “The narcotics which were located were in plain view of the officers. The location of the illegal narcotics was in a location where both occupants were in control of them” stated Chief KP Gibson.

Casey Dugar was arrested and warrants have been issued for Akeem Ross. Ross is described as a black male, 5’06” in height, weighing 135 pounds. He has a medium build with short black hair. His last known address is 817 North Ave E in Crowley.

Dugar was booked in to the Acadia Parish Jail for PWITD Crack Cocaine, PWITD Marijuana, PWITD Codeine, PWITD Alprazolam, Monies Derived from Drug Proceeds and Traffic violations. Warrants have been issued for Akeem Ross for the same charges excluding the traffic violations and the Monies Derived from Drug Proceeds charge.

“Crime Stoppers of Acadia Parish will pay out a reward for information leading to the arrest of Akeem Ross. Anyone with information can call 789-TIPS (789-8477)” stated Chief Gibson.

Arrest

Two Houston men are behind bars as they stole a vehicle which was impounded from a local wrecker yard. The incident occurred at Cliff’s Towing Service in Crowley.

The two men went to retrieve a vehicle from the business but were unable to obtain the vehicle due to there being a hold on the vehicle. After the business owner entered his office area, he heard a loud crash and observed that the vehicle was driven through the fence of his yard by the suspects.

“With these two men being from Houston, our officers work with State Police and were able to locate the vehicle traveling west on Interstate 10. State Police were able to stop the vehicle in Jeff Davis Parish without incident” Stated Chief K.P. Gibson.

Arrested were Julian Sosa, 20 of Houston, Tx. And James K. Sosa, Jr., 20 of Houston, Tx. Both men were booked into the Jeff Davis Parish Jail and transferred to the Acadia Parish Jail for Unauthorized Removal of a Motor Vehicle and Criminal Damage to Property.

Burglary Arrest

Two Crowley men were caught in the act of a vehicle burglary by a neighbor of the intended victim and were arrested by Crowley Police.

The incident occurred on February 20, 2013 at approximately 11:30pm in the 400 block of West 10^th Street. A neighbor observed the 2 suspects breaking into a vehicle at a residence next to his. The neighbor then detained the suspects with his personal firearm. “The suspects did not resist the man and he held them on the ground at gun point until police arrived” stated Chief KP  Gibson.

“We live in a time where neighbors watching out for each other is a great need. Without this neighbor stepping up to the cause, this could have been an abundance of burglaries” stated Chief Gibson.

Arrested were Lionel Clement, 24 of Crowley and Jamarco Winbush, 17 of Crowley. Both men were booked into the Acadia Parish Jail for Burglary of a Vehicle and Criminal Trespassing.

Narcotics Arrests

Crowley Police Narcotics Agents have arrested two Crowley residents after the search of a Jacobs Ave residence led to the recovery of illegal narcotics.

“A search warrant was obtained for the residence of 516 Jacobs Ave. During the search our agents recovered marijuana, codeine and cocaine. The search also revealed that crack cocaine was being manufactured inside of the residence” stated Chief K.P. Gibson.

Crowley Police have arrested Desirae T. Williams, 27 of Crowley and Stephen O. Bernard, 28 of Crowley. Both have been charged with Possession of Marijuana, Possession of Cocaine, Possession of Codeine, Manufacturing Crack Cocaine, Monies Derived from Drug Proceeds and Illegal Possession of a firearm in the Presence of a Controlled Dangerous Substance.

Both have been booked in to the Acadia Parish Jail.

Scam

Crowley Police are investigating a scam which was reported during the past weekend.

According to complaints, individuals believed to be in the late teens / early twenties were going door to door soliciting magazine subscriptions. “Several residents felt that they were helping the young men and women who were soliciting. However, several residents made some phone calls to confirm that they were selling ads for what they claimed. These residents discovered that the information was fabricated as the solicitor claimed that they were directed to the residence by a neighbor” stated Chief KP Gibson.

Officers checked several areas of Crowley where complaints were made, but were unable to locate the suspects. “It is our belief that these suspects fled the area after a short period of time as scam artist know that eventually someone will uncover their operations” stated Chief Gibson.

There are several tips provided by Chief Gibson:

• We have plenty of local organizations seeking help. Donate to one of these to avoid unknown persons scamming you.
• If you choose to donate, do not give cash. Issue a check which is traceable.
• Do not make a check out to an individual. All checks should be made out to an organization.
• Don’t be fooled by identification cards clipped to a person’s shirt. If it is a scam it is probably a false id.
• Call the police even if you do not give money to the solicitor. You may stop someone else from becoming a victim.

If you choose to make a donation directly to an individual make sure that you know that person or make it directly to the organization to avoid scams.

Felony Theft Arrest

Crowley Police have arrested a Baton Rouge woman and is seeking another Baton Rouge woman who committed the crime of Felony Theft by Fraud. The incident occurred over 3 weekends during this month.

“The females were using a payroll card and were traveling to various cities along Interstate 10. In all, 4 cities were targeted by the suspects. The suspects were aware of the businesses procedure and would confuse the clerk during the transaction” stated Chief Gibson. “Once the suspects confused the clerks, they were able to obtain funds which were not available on the card”

Crowley Police have arrested Lykendra Givens, 32 of Baton Rouge. She was booked into the Acadia Parish Jail for 2 counts of Felony Theft. Crowley Police have also secured arrest warrants for Ebony Givens also of Baton Rouge.

Crowley Police are working with Baton Rouge Police regarding locating Givens.

2012 End of the Year Stats

2012 Year in Review

Crowley Police Department Stats

9,385 Total complaints made

210 Alarm Calls

1,027 People Arrested (Booked or Issued Summons)

555 Traffic Accidents (Roadway)

171 Private Lot Accidents

Charges Filed  

These are actual charges which were filed against the 1,027 people who were arrested during 2012:

373 Narcotics

221 Battery/Assault

35 Burglary

140 Disturbing the Peace

41 DUI/Traffic

208 Thefts

179 Outstanding Warrants

293 Misdemeanor Other

54 Felony  Other

Search Warrants

Crowley Police Narcotics Division, armed with 2 search warrants, executed said warrants early Thursday (1/9/13) morning. In all 6 people were arrested in the investigation.

“Our agents and tactical team members served search warrants at residences located at 820 West 2^nd Street and 513 Jacobs Ave. These warrants were obtained after an investigation into illegal narcotics activity was conducted” stated Chief K.P. Gibson.

The first warrant was served at the residence located at 820 West 2^nd St. During the search, a variety of narcotics were found and three (3) people were charged.

Quentin Batiste, 29, Crowley / Abigail Arledge, 21, Crowley / Cornelius Wheeler, 49, Crowley. All three were charged with:  Possession of Hydrocodone, Possession of Codeine, Possession of Marijuana, Illegal Carrying of a Firearm.

The second warrant was served at 513 Jacobs Ave. Arrested in this investigation were:

Denzel K. McIntyre, 19, Crowley: PWITD Fentanyl, Distribution of Crack Cocaine, Possession of a Firearm in the Presence of a Controlled Dangerous Substance

• Erika Fontenot, 42, Crowley: Possession of Marijuana
• Juvenile, 14, Crowley: Possession of Marijuana, Illegal Possession of a Firearm

“Our officers have worked hard to fight the growing industry of illegal narcotics in the city of Crowley during the past 10 years. Our efforts will continue for our community and our citizens” stated Chief Gibson.

Interesting Arrest

A Crowley woman who was believed to be the victim of stalking, has been arrested as the result of complaints which she had filed.

Trudy Miller, 34 of Crowley has been arrested and charged with a felony. Miller filed 5 complaints with Crowley Police regarding her estranged boyfriend making threats to commit bodily harm to her via text messaging. Charges were filed against Miller’s boyfriend, however after his repeated claims that he did not possess the cell phone utilized with this complaint officers furthered the investigation.

“Things were not adding up after speaking with representatives of Miller’s estranged boyfriend. Our officers furthered the investigation and discovered that Miller was in possession of the cellular phone being used to send her the threatening text messages. We also revealed that that over 30 threatening text messages received on Miller’s phone had in fact been sent to Miller’s phone by Miller herself. The phone in question has been in the possession of Miller since the separation, though Miller originally claimed that her estranged boyfriend refused to return it” Stated Chief KP Gibson.

The motive behind the false complaints: custody. Miller and her estranged boyfriend are scheduled for a custody hearing soon for their 2 children. Miller wanted full custody, thus her plotting to have her estranged boyfriend charged criminally. With criminal charges pending for stalking, Miller thought she would get full custody.

Miller has been booked into the Acadia Parish Jail for one count of False Swearing for Violation of Health or Safety, which is a felony.

“I am glad this case was worked out as an innocent person has been cleared of false accusations” stated Chief Gibson.

Robbery Arrest

Shortly before noon, officers with the Crowley Police Department responded to the Waffle House Restaurant on Highway 100 regarding a robbery. Upon officer’s arrival, the suspect fled the scene in a white truck. Officers then attempted to stop the vehicle, but the driver fled on East bound Interstate 10. The suspect led officers into the city of Rayne where he was apprehended after exiting his vehicle to flee on foot.

“The investigation into this incident revealed that the suspect attempted to rob an individual known to him at gun point. The victim ran from the suspect and was chased by the suspect on the property of the Waffle House. Please note the Waffle House was not the target of the robbery” stated Chief K.P. Gibson.

“As officer’s arrived in the area, the suspect entered a white Ford F-150 and fled the scene. Officer’s attempted to stop the vehicle however the driver was able to enter east bound I-10. Our officer’s pursued this suspect into the city of Rayne, where he was apprehended with the assistance of the Rayne Police Department” Stated Chief Gibson.

Arrested was Jeremy Paul Whatley, 29 of Spring, Texas. Whately has been charged with Attempted Armed Robbery, Aggravated Flight, Possession of Drug Paraphernalia, Possession of a Legend Drug and Reckless Operation of a Motor Vehicle. Other charges are pending as of this release as the investigation remains open.

“The officer’s involved in this case did a good job and were able to take this violent suspect off of our streets. I appreciate their effort” stated Chief Gibson.

Crowley Police arrested a Crowley man in the act of burglarizing a local business. The incident occurred on December 30, 2012 at 2:03 am. The incident occurred in the 1500 block of Parkerson Ave.

Officer’s received a call of an alarm activation at a local business. Upon officer’s arrival, officers set a perimeter around the business as they checked the alarm. During the check of the building, it was discovered that the business had been burglarized and the suspect was still inside.

Officer’s arrested Larryl Fisher, 28 of Crowley. Fisher was booked into the Acadia Parish Jail for Burglary. Fisher is no stranger to committing burglaries, as police records indicate that he has been arrested and convicted for multiple burglaries in the past.

“We will research the criminal record of Larryl Fisher to confirm that he qualifies as a habitual offender under state law. It is our intention to request that he be tried as a habitual offender” stated Chief KP Gibson.