A Shreveport man is in custody following a high-speed pursuit and crash in Natchitoches Parish on Friday, May 23, according to Sheriff Stuart Wright.
At approximately 2:19 p.m., a Natchitoches Parish Sheriff’s Deputy patrolling on LA Hwy 6 near Clarence observed a 2009 Chevrolet Impala traveling eastbound at 85 miles per hour in a posted 55 mph zone.
The deputy attempted to initiate a traffic stop using emergency lights, but the vehicle failed to yield.
The driver, later identified as 35-year-old Stedman Jarmon of Shreveport, led deputies on a reckless pursuit, passing vehicles in no-passing zones and reaching speeds over 100 mph. The pursuit continued through the city limits of Clarence onto US-84 eastbound.
At one point, Stedman pulled onto the westbound shoulder of US-84, near La. Hwy 1226 raised his hands toward the deputy, and then fled again at a high rate of speed. Additional NPSO units responded to assist.
While traveling westbound on US-84, Jarmon attempted to pass a pickup truck towing an RV trailer, lost control, left the roadway, entered a ditch, and struck a fence. The vehicle came to a stop, and deputies issued verbal commands before taking Stedman into custody without further incident.
As a precaution, Natchitoches Regional Medical Center EMS was called to assess Jarmon for injuries from the crash. He was evaluated on the scene and released without the need for transport. A wrecker was dispatched to impound the vehicle.
While being transported to the Natchitoches Detention Center, Jarmon complained of neck pain. Deputies took him to Natchitoches Regional Medical Center for evaluation. A CT scan showed no injuries, and he was treated and released with medication.
Jarmon was booked into the LaSalle Corrections/Natchitoches Detention Center on the following charges:
• Speeding 85/55
• Speeding 100+ mph in a 55 mph zone
• Aggravated Flight from an Officer
He remains in custody awaiting bond. During an interview, deputies reported that Stedman gave conflicting reasons for fleeing. The most notable explanation: “he was running from the repo man.”
Deputies also completed a crash report. Deputy S. Kennedy led the arrest, assisted by Sgt. C. Olliff, Deputy T. Miller Jr., and Deputy J. Brown.
Sheriff Stuart Wright said “This kind of reckless behavior places innocent lives at risk, including those of our deputies and the general public. I commend our patrol deputies for handling this dangerous situation professionally and bringing it to a safe conclusion. We are thankful no one was injured during this incident.”