During regular patrol on September 18, 2014 at approximately 3:15 a.m.  an officer in the area of the 600 block of Jack Miller Road observed a black vehicle parked in the area of local businesses.  As he approached the back of one of the businesses he observed a black male wearing a black hoodie and light colored pants running away from the building. The officer followed the suspect who then detoured through a field and between other buildings. The suspect evaded the officer.  When the officer returned to the building that the suspect ran from he also observed that the black vehicle was no longer in the area. An Evangeline Parish Sheriff’s Deputy and other Ville Platte Police units arrived to assist in searching for the vehicle and suspect that had both fled the scene. Witnesses nearby stated that they observed a black Dodge Challenger traveling west from the area at a high rate of speed.  Dispatch was notified to contact the Eunice Police Department for K9 assistance in locating the suspect that fled on foot.  The K9 was able to pick up a scent and track the suspect but could not locate the suspect in the area any longer. 

During this time an Opelousas Police Officer observed a vehicle matching the description of the suspect vehicle. The officer turned around and attempted to locate the vehicle and was unable to catch up with it.  This search led the Opelousas Police Officer into the Ville Platte City limits and onto Tate Cove Road. 

The owner of the business arrived and the owner and officers made entry into the building.  They discovered that the suspect had made entry into the business and that the business had damage to an outer wall.  An undisclosed item was removed from the building but the suspect was caught off guard by the officer’s arrival and left the item on the ground as he fled. 

Chief Neal Lartigue would like to thank the Eunice Police Department for their assistance with the investigation and use of the K9 unit and also the Opelousas Police Department for their assistance in the chase of the suspect vehicle.

Anyone who may have information on the black challenger in the area of Jack Miller Road at approximately 3:15 a.m. or the suspect that fled from the officers, is asked to call in with this information. Chief Lartigue stated that this vehicle was traveling dangerously through the city and may have been seen by someone.  “If you know who this vehicle belongs too please call the department and share the information.”  Chief Lartigue continued, “This driver put many people in danger including citizens of the city.”  Call the Ville Platte Police Department at 363-1313.  Your call will remain anonymous.