A Mississippi man reportedly acting suspiciously at two Natchitoches Parish businesses, at least 42-miles apart, was arrested by Natchitoches Parish Sheriff’s Deputies and Louisiana State Police on March 3. The first call came into NATCOM 911 Center at approximately 7:50 am, when an employee of Cowboy’s Truck Stop in the 900 block of Hwy. 174 in Ajax contacted the Sheriff’s Office to report a suspicious male at the business wearing a plaid shirt and two different types of boots. The man was acting strange, drinking what appeared to be whisky, and making her feel uncomfortable.
NPSO Patrol Operations Bureau deputies responded to the scene but upon their arrival, the male had already left. Deputies checked the immediate area but were unable to locate him.
Several hours later, an employee at a barbecue stand in the 1500 block of Hwy. 490 in Chopin contacted the NATCOM 911 Center to report a male at the business acting suspicious, talking uncommonly, drinking what appeared to be whiskey shots, and making her feel uncomfortable. The male was reported to be in a white GMC pickup truck with lettering on the sides.
A deputy who was nearby, enroute to work a security detail at the RoyOMartin Plywood Plant, responded to the business. Shortly after arriving on the scene, the deputy identified the male, Brandon Whitlock, 38 of Laurel, Mississippi. Deputies learned Whitlock had a prior criminal history consisting of driving while intoxicated, and narcotics violations.
While speaking with Whitlock, he suddenly drove off in his white 2020 GMC pickup truck. Deputies were able to stop him as he attempted to get on I-49 at Chopin. Additional deputies and LSP responded to assist. A standarized field sobriety test was administered during the traffic stop.
As a result, Whitlock was arrested by LSP and transported to the LaSalle Corrections/Natchitoches Detention Center where he was administered an Intoxilyzer test, booked, and charged with DWI 4th Offense, Resisting an Officer, No Driver’s License, and Possession of Open Alcoholic Containers in a Motor Vehicle.
Whitlock remains in LaSalle Corrections Center. The vehicle was impounded by a local wrecker service.
Assisting NPSO Deputies was TFC J. Axsom assigned to LSP Troop-E Alexandria. Deputies commend the quick thinking of these two ladies that contacted the NPSO for assistance. If you observe suspcious activity in your community, call the Natchitoches Parish Sheriff’s Office at 352-6432 or 357-7852. Always attempt to give descriptions of the person or vehicle involved in the suspicious activity.
