Natchitoches Parish Sheriff’s Deputies arrested a Robeline woman and a Natchitoches man on felony drug charges following a traffic stop on Hwy. 1 March 19 at 1:37 a.m. according to the Natchitoches Parish Sheriff’s Office.
Patrol Division deputies stopped a 2007 Pontiac for a traffic violation on Hwy. 1 Bypass just north of its intersection with Fairgrounds Road. When the driver, later identified as Lindsey Renee Rachal, exited the vehicle her passenger quickly exited on the right side.
Deputies observed the passenger, identified as Gene Richard, discard a bottle on the ground. It contained one suspected ecstasy pill, two suspected suboxone narcotic pills, two cellophane bags containing suspected methamphetamine, and 11 unidentified pills.
Natchitoches Multi-jurisdictional Drug Task Force Agents also responded to the scene to assist.
Richard, who has a prior narcotics arrest history, was placed under arrest.
Deputies began to interview Rachal observing that her coordination appeared to be impaired.
When deputies asked Rachal to perform a series of field sobriety tests she replied she was not drunk.
Deputies demonstrated and had Rachal perform the field sobriety tests in which she failed to perform satisfactorily at which time she was also placed under arrest for suspected DWI.
As a result:
Gene Richard, 37, of the 100 block of Remo Road in Natchez was booked into the Natchitoches Parish Detention Center and charged with Possession of CDS Schedule II Methamphetamines-2nd or subsequent offense, Criminal Obstruction of Justice.
Other charges are pending based on crime lab analysis.
Richard remains in the Natchitoches Parish Detention Center awaiting bond.
Lindsey Renee Rachal, 31, of the 2000 block of Hwy. 478 in Robeline refused to take the Chemical Test for Intoxication and was charged with DWI 1st Offense and traffic offenses.
Rachal remains in the Natchitoches Parish Detention Center awaiting bond.
The vehicle was impounded.
Deputies assisgned to NPSO Patrol Shift “A” made the arrests assisted by NMJDTF agents.
