A Powhatan man wanted by the Natchitoches Parish Sheriff’s Office and Red River Parish Sheriff’s Office was arrested on Friday afternoon after fleeing a traffic stop and ditching an AR-15 semi-automatic rifle near a Cypress business according to Natchitoches Parish Sheriff Stuart Wright.
NPSO Patrol Operations Bureau deputies were working stationary patrol on March 3 around 5 pm on Hwy. 120 just west of Hwy. 1 near Cypress when they observed a white 2012 Chevrolet Impala occupied by Dewitt D. Edwards of Powhatan wanted by the Natchitoches and Red River Sheriff’s Offices on outstanding felony criminal warrants for 2-counts of Illegal Possession of Stolen Things, 2-counts of Simple Burglary and 1-count of Domestic Abuse. Deputies stopped the vehicle as it pulled into the parking lot of the business.
Three males, one holding an AR-15 semi-automatic rifle, exited the vehicle and began to run, fleeing to a field behind the business.
A deputy involved in a foot pursuit of Edwards observed him throwing the AR-15 onto the ground into some grass attempting to conceal the weapon.
The deputy issued several verbal commands to Edwards to “Stop.” Edwards surrendered and was taken into custody without incident. Additional sheriff’s units responded to assist.
Edwards then reportedly yelled to the other two male juveniles to “stop running.” Both juveniles were taken into custody.
Deputies recovered and seized a loaded LA Brothers Arms AR-15 semi-automatic rifle for evidence. During a search of the vehicle, deputies seized approximately 7-grams of suspected marijuana and drug paraphernalia.
A female in the vehicle that claimed ownership of the suspected marijuana was issued a citation for Simple Possession of CDS I Marijuana.
Dewitt D. Edwards, 18 of the 1400 block of Hwy. 1 in Powhatan, was transported and booked into the Natchitoches Parish Detention Center charged with 1-count of Illegal Possession of Stolen Things, Criminal Obstruction of Justice, and Resisting an Officer in Natchitoches Parish. He was also booked on Red River Parish charges of 1-count of Illegal Possession of Stolen Things, 2-counts of Simple Burglary and 1-count of Domestic Abuse. Edwards remains in the Natchitoches Parish Detention Center on Natchitoches Parish criminal charges and with a hold for Red River Parish Sheriff’s Office.
The juveniles were interviewed at the Criminal Investigations Division and later released into the custody of a parent or guardian. This is an ongoing and active investigation.
Additional information will be released as it becomes available. If you have any information concerning Mr. Edwards contact the NPSO Criminal Investigations Division at 357-7830.
Sheriff Stuart Wright commends the apprehending deputy by showing patience and resorting to his training in making the arrest of an offender that may be involved in other criminal activity in Natchitoches and Red River Parishes.
If you observe suspicious activity in your community contact the Natchitoches Parish Sheriff’s Office at 352-6432.
