Natchitoches Police arrest individual after vehicle pursuit

All persons are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.

The Natchitoches Police Department has arrested Antonio Thomas (B/M, 19 y.o.a. of Natchitoches) for aggravated flight from an officer, possession of a stolen firearm, and possession of stolen property after a vehicle pursuit Saturday night.

On January 14, 2023 around 9:26 p.m., officers and deputies assigned to ACTION (Addressing Criminal Trends by Involving our Neighborhoods) attempted to stop a vehicle on Texas Street for a noise violation. The vehicle initially stopped in the 700 block of Texas Street but then fled at a high rate of speed. After chasing the car through several neighborhoods the driver stopped on West Lakeshore Drive and all five of the occupants led officers on a foot chase. Officers were able to catch Antonio Thomas and place him under arrest near Myrtle Drive.

Officers also recovered a 9mm handgun and a .223 AR-15 rifle.

Antonio Thomas was placed in the Natchitoches Parish Detention Center.

If you would like to report suspicious activity or if you have additional information in regards to this investigation please contact the Natchitoches Police Department at (318) 352-8101. Remember all information given shall remain confidential.

How to report an anonymous tip via Natchitoches Crime Stoppers:

You can also report a tip anonymously by downloading the P3 Tips app on your smart phone or by calling Natchitoches Crime Stoppers at (318) 238-2388. All tips remain confidential and the caller can receive a cash reward up to $2,500 for the arrest of an offender.

Corporal John Greely
Public Information Officer
Natchitoches Police Department

Release Date: January 16, 2023