According to a Task Force Official, Eric James Walter, 33 of Natchitoches, was taken into custody after he crashed a vehicle into an apartment while fleeing from Task Force Agents. The pursuit began on Jefferson Street after Task Force Agents attempted to make contact with the driver of a white Cadillac, later identified as Walter. Walter was being sought by Louisiana Probation & Parole and Natchitoches Drug Task Force due to outstanding Parole and Distribution Warrants. Once Agents activated their lights and sirens, the vehicle fled traveling north to Highway 6 East. The Natchitoches Parish Sheriff’s Office, Natchitoches Police Department and Louisiana State Police assisted in the pursuit as the vehicle was observed traveling in upwards of 120 miles per hour on Friday morning at approximately 1:00am.
The vehicle pursuit ended when Walter attempted to turn into a housing complex in Clarence missing the entrance. The vehicle traveled through the grass and came to an abrupt stop after crashing into an apartment. Walter was then taken into custody after a short foot pursuit. Although there was significant damage to the apartment, all of the occupants were uninjured. NRMC and District 3 Fire Department assisted with the welfare of the victims and structural damage to the apartment.
As a result, Walter was charged with possession of CDS II after the recovery of suspected powder cocaine within the vehicle, Parole violation, Distribution of CDS I, Reckless Operation, Aggravated Criminal Damage to Property, two counts of Resisting an Officer along with multiple traffic violations.
Walter remains in the Natchitoches Parish Detention Center awaiting bond.