A Natchitoches man wanted on multiple felony warrants out of Rapides Parish was arrested Thursday night following a traffic stop that also led to the discovery of illegal narcotics and a loaded firearm according to Natchitoches Parish Sheriff Stuart Wright.
Natchitoches Parish Sheriff’s Office Patrol Operations Bureau deputies initiated a traffic stop on on July 17 around 9:53 pm a 2004 GMC Yukon on LA Hwy 1 near Woodyard Drive in the City of Natchitoches.
Deputies identified the driver as Jermaurion T. “J-Boo” Simmons, 18, of the 500 block of Sibley Street, Natchitoches—who was wanted by the Rapides Parish Sheriff’s Office on multiple felony warrants.
Upon contact, deputies detected a strong odor of marijuana coming from the vehicle. Simmons fled on foot during the encounter but was quickly apprehended after a short foot pursuit across Rapides Drive.
He actively resisted arrest and was taken into custody with the use of an electronic control device. EMS responded to the scene, and Simmons was medically cleared without transport.
A search of the vehicle resulted in the seizure of approximately 24.9 grams of suspected marijuana and a loaded 7.62x39mm micro Draco semi-automatic rifle containing 59 rounds of ammunition.
Detectives with Natchitoches Police Department responded to the scene due to ongoing criminal investigations.
The vehicle was impounded, and all evidence is being submitted to the crime lab for further analysis.
Simmons was booked into LaSalle Corrections/Natchitoches Detention Center and charged as follows:
Rapides Parish Warrants:
6 counts of Simple Burglary
1 count of Criminal Conspiracy
Natchitoches Parish Charges:
Possession of CDS Schedule I (Marijuana)
Resisting an Officer by Flight
Resisting an Officer by Force
Illegal Possession of a Firearm in the Presence of Controlled Dangerous Substances
Natchitoches Police announced Simmons has been arrested on July 18 in connection with a July 6 homicide on Keyser Avenue in Natchitoches. He is charged with Second Degree Murder, Attempted Second Degree Murder, Aggravated Criminal Damage to Property and Illegal Use of a Weapon.
Two other people were also arrested in connection with the investigation.
Simmons remains in custody with a hold placed by Rapides Parish authorities.
Deputies J. Dranguet, A. Middleton, and J. Bonner conducted the stop and arrest.
“This arrest reflects our continued commitment to removing dangerous individuals, illegal drugs, and unlawful weapons from our communities,” said Sheriff Stuart Wright. “We appreciate the cooperation of neighboring law enforcement agencies as we work together to enhance public safety.”
The investigation remains active and ongoing with assistance from the NPSO Criminal Investigations Bureau.