A traffic stop and 38-mile vehicle pursuit that ended in a single-vehicle crash on I-49 near Rapides Station in Rapides Parish resulted in the arrests of a male and female suspect, according to Natchitoches Parish Sheriff Stuart Wright. It began on Oct. 29, around 10:30 a.m., when NPSO Deputy Cpl. N. Kerby, working a special speed enforcement detail, attempted to stop a 2015 GMC Yukon traveling southbound on I-49 near mile marker #132 for speeding 88 miles per hour in a posted 75 mph zone.
When Cpl. Kerby exited her patrol unit and attempted to make contact with the female driver, the driver fled the scene. A pursuit ensued southbound on I-49. Louisiana State Police Troop-E (Alexandria) was contacted to assist, along with additional NPSO deputies. The pursuit continued southbound, reaching speeds in excess of 100 mph. The suspect vehicle avoided a tire deflation device deployed by deputies north of Chopin, exited the interstate at Chopin, then re-entered I-49 and exited again at Lena. Deputies reported the vehicle struck several guardrails during the pursuit.
The pursuit entered Rapides Parish, where Louisiana State Police Troopers successfully deployed a tire deflation device near Rapides Station. The vehicle continued a short distance before the driver apparently lost control, causing the Yukon to overturn and come to rest in the right lane of the interstate.
Following the crash, a male and female fled on foot down an embankment, crossing a ditch and fence before being taken into custody by Louisiana State Police Troopers without further incident.
Both suspects were transported by Pafford Ambulance to an Alexandria hospital for treatment of minor injuries and later released.
As a result of the investigation:
•Charidi S. Lopez, 44, of Mission, Texas, the driver, 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
•Wilbur L. Heard Jr., of Birmingham, Alabama, the passenger, 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.
Louisiana State Police Troop-E Troopers investigated the crash. When questioned by deputies about her decision to flee, Lopez reportedly stated she “didn’t want Heard to go to jail.”
Sheriff Stuart Wright commended the professionalism and teamwork displayed by all responding agencies.
“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 Wright. “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.”
The investigation is continuing. Deputy Cpl. N. Kerby was assisted by Deputy Lt. M. Powell, Deputy Sgt. C. Olliff, Louisiana State Police, Troop-E Troopers and Rapides Parish Sheriff’s Office. Mugshots are currently unavailable while they remain in the Rapides Parish Detention Center.