Deputies assigned to the Rapides Area Drug Enforcement (RADE) Unit, while conducting routine patrol in the Wardville area, observed a blue Nissan Sentra traveling in the area on Feb. 18 at approximately 5:45pm. Deputies had been advised to “be on the lookout” of a stolen blue Nissan Sentra out of Bossier City. Deputies conducted a computer check and received confirmation from that the Nissan they were behind was indeed reported stolen.
Deputies initiated a traffic stop and the driver of the blue Nissan immediately accelerated, refusing to stop, leading deputies on a lengthy pursuit which ended in Alexandria where the vehicle’s transmission failed causing the car to come to a stop.
The driver, later identified as Destin James, and the front seat passenger, later identified as Terrance Swafford, exited the car and fled on foot. Swafford was observed dropping a handgun as he fled. Deputies, along with RPSO canines, gave chase and both suspects were quickly apprehended.
The rear passenger, later identified as Demetrius Tucker, was detained after a brief struggle.
A search of the vehicle revealed a plastic baggie in the driver’s floor board that contained a small amount of powder Cocaine and two additional handguns were located in the trunk. The handgun dropped by Swafford was reported stolen through the Alexandria Police Department.
Officers with APD and troopers with LSP assisted in the pursuit. Also, the RPSO-ATF TaskForce Officer also responded to assist in the firearms portion of this investigation.
James was transported a local hospital, treated and released for a K-9 bite sustained in the apprehension. James was later transported to the Rapides Parish Detention Center and booked for Possession of a Stolen Vehicle, Flight from an Officer, Possession of CDS II (Powder Cocaine), Possession of a Firearm by a Convicted Felon, and Illegal Carrying of a Firearm with Drugs. James is being held on a $76,500.00 bond.
Swafford was transported to the Rapides Parish Detention Center and booked for Possession of a Stolen Vehicle, Flight from an Officer, Possession of a Firearm by a Convicted Felon, Illegal Possession of a Stolen Firearm, and an outstanding arrest warrant through Alexandria Police Department for Aggravated Assault with a Firearm. Swafford is being held on a $225,000.00 bond.
Tucker was also transported to the Rapides Parish Detention Center and booked for Possession of a Stolen Vehicle, Flight from an Officer, and Resisting an Officer. Tucker is being held on an $11,000.00 bond.
All three suspects remain in jail at the time of this article.