The Natchitoches Parish Sheriff’s Office Impact Team, which consists of members from the Criminal Investigations Bureau, Patrol Operations Bureau, and Drug Enforcement Unit, continues its efforts to combat narcotics violations, gun violence, and property crimes in Natchitoches Parish according to Natchitoches Parish Sheriff Stuart Wright.
On March 28 the team conducted an operation resulting in three arrests and the seizure of illegal firearms and drugs, according to Natchitoches Parish Sheriff Stuart Wright. At approximately 8:45 PM, deputies stopped a 2022 Kia passenger vehicle on Louisiana Highway 494 near the Natchitoches City Limits for a traffic violation. The driver, identified as Jontavious D. Newton, 25, of Natchitoches, was found to be operating the vehicle without a driver’s license. Deputies also detected the strong odor of marijuana emanating from the vehicle. Following a probable cause search, approximately 7 grams of suspected marijuana were seized. Newton was cited for Simple Possession of Marijuana and released pending a court appearance.
A short while later, at approximately 9:06 PM, deputies stopped a 2004 pickup truck with a bullet hole in the cab near the same location on Louisiana Highway 494. The driver, identified as Marion L. Hardy, 17, of Natchitoches, and two passengers, Joseph Brown, 17 of Natchitoches, and a 15-year-old female juvenile from Natchitoches, were identified during the stop. Deputies again detected the strong smell of marijuana and asked the occupants about its presence in the vehicle. Brown, who was found to be a fugitive from Bienville Parish, was wanted for Aggravated Assault by Drive-By Shooting near Ringgold, Louisiana in November 2024.
Deputies asked if there were any weapons in the vehicle in which they all nervously responded, “no.”
A subsequent search of the vehicle led to the discovery and seizure of a fully automatic Precision Arms AR-15 style pistol, 7.62x39mm, modified with an auto sear device allowing the weapon to fire multiple rounds with a single trigger pull. Additionally, a drum magazine capable of holding multiple rounds and ammunition were seized. The suspected marijuana was also recovered.
Arrests:
*Joseph Brown, 17, of Natchitoches, was arrested and charged with Fugitive from Bienville Parish on the charge of Aggravated Assault by Drive-By Shooting. He was also charged with Unlawful Possession/Handling of a Machine Gun. Brown was transported to the Jackson Parish Detention Center.
*Marion Hardy, 17, of Natchitoches, was cited for Simple Possession of Marijuana and released pending a court appearance.
*The 15-year-old juvenile female passenger was not charged in this incident but released to a guardian.
Seized Items:
Fully Automatic AR-15 Style Pistol
Drum Magazine capable of holding multiple rounds
Two boxes of ammunition
Approximately 7 grams of suspected marijuana
All seized items will be submitted to the crime lab for forensic analysis and ballistic testing. The investigation remains active and ongoing.
Sheriff Stuart Wright commended the efforts of the Impact Team, saying, “This operation is a testament to the dedication of our law enforcement officers in combating illegal activities and making Natchitoches Parish a safer place for our residents. We will continue to work diligently to remove dangerous individuals and weapons from our community.”
Detectives plan to contact The Federal Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms in the ongoing investigation. If you have any information concerning Brown contact Major J. Byles with the NPSO Criminal Investigations Bureau at 318-357-7830. Your information will remain confidential.
