The Natchitoches Parish Sheriff’s Office (NPSO) has confirmed that a woman arrested following Wednesday’s 38-mile pursuit on Interstate 49 was using a false identity and is actually a fugitive wanted in Alabama for two counts of attempted murder and arson.
NPSO received a tip on Oct. 31 from a concerned citizen revealing that the female suspect, who initially identified herself as Charidi S. Lopez, is in fact Terry Jo Richardson, 41, of Birmingham, Alabama. Richardson remains in custody at the Rapides Parish Detention Center in Alexandria.
NPSO deputies and communications operators relayed the information to Louisiana State Police Troop E, whose investigators confirmed Richardson’s true identity using the Automated Fingerprint Identification System (AFIS). A National Crime Information Center (NCIC) check then revealed her active Alabama warrants.
Louisiana State Police have since added charges of Misrepresentation During Booking, Interfering with the Duties of State Police, and Criminal Obstruction of Justice.
The case began on the morning of Oct. 29 when NPSO Deputy Cpl. N. Kerby, conducting a special speed enforcement detail, attempted to stop a 2015 GMC Yukon traveling southbound on I-49 near mile marker 132 for speeding 88 mph in a 75 mph zone.
When Cpl. Kerby exited her patrol vehicle, the driver made a hand gesture and fled, initiating a 38-mile pursuit that reached speeds exceeding 100 mph. The suspect vehicle struck multiple guardrails, exited and re-entered the interstate several times, and eventually entered Rapides Parish.
Louisiana State Police Troopers successfully deployed a tire deflation device near Rapides Station, after which the Yukon overturned and came to rest on the interstate. Both the driver and passenger fled on foot but were quickly apprehended by troopers without further incident.
Both suspects sustained minor injuries and were treated at an Alexandria hospital before being booked into the Rapides Parish Detention Center.
The passenger, identified as Wilbur L. Heard Jr., also of Birmingham, Alabama, was found to have outstanding warrants in Alabama and faces extradition, along with additional State Police charges.
Sheriff Stuart Wright commended the interagency cooperation that led to the safe conclusion of the pursuit and the identification of a dangerous fugitive.
“This investigation demonstrates the professionalism and persistence of our deputies and partners at Louisiana State Police and the Rapides Parish Sheriff’s Office,” said Sheriff Wright. “Thanks to their teamwork, a dangerous individual wanted for serious crimes in another state has been taken off the streets.”
The investigation remains ongoing.