Rapides Parish Sheriff’s Office patrol deputies responded to an alleged road rage incident that started in Tioga area on US 167 southbound on Sept. 12 at approximately 6pm.  According to the victim, another motorist was driving aggressively and a road rage incident occurred where the other motorist allegedly brandished a handgun and fired it while driving.  The victim drove to a safe area and called law enforcement.

Patrol deputies took the initial report and Sheriff’s Detectives from the Tioga Sub-station began their investigation. 

Through their investigation, detectives were able to identify the suspect as Thomas Manuel Lopez, 37 of Dry Prong.  From their investigation, detectives obtained an arrest warrant for Lopez for two (2) counts assault by drive-by shooting and illegal use of a weapon.

Due to Lopez living in Grant Parish, detectives requested assistance from detectives with the Grant Parish Sheriff’s Office and the Dry Prong Police Department.  On Sept. 16, Lopez was located and taken into custody without incident and booked into the Grant Parish Jail.  He was later extradited back to Rapides Parish where he was booked into the Rapides Parish Detention Center on the charges.  Lopez was later released on a $15,000 bond. 

RPSO detectives would like to thank Grant Parish Sheriff’s Office as well as Dry Prong PD for their assistance in this investigation.