A single-vehicle crash on Hwy. 117 early Monday morning has resulted in the arrest of a Provencal man on felony drug charges, according to Natchitoches Parish Sheriff Stuart Wright.
Provencal Police and deputies assigned to the NPSO Patrol Operations Bureau were dispatched by the NATCOM 911 Center to a reported single-vehicle crash on Nov. 3 around 5:57 am in the 1700 block of La. Hwy 117 within the Provencal city limits.
Provencal Police Chief Eric Upchurch arrived on the scene and discovered a vehicle that had left the roadway and struck a tree. The vehicle’s sole occupant was found passed out inside. The vehicle appeared to have sustained only minor to moderate damage.
Shortly after deputies arrived to assist, they were able to awaken the driver, who was identified as 35-year-old Corey K. Slaughter of Provencal. Deputies say that while speaking with Slaughter, they observed a firearm and suspected narcotics in plain view inside the vehicle.
A subsequent search of the vehicle led to the seizure of a loaded Smith & Wesson 9mm handgun, suspected methamphetamine, another white powdery substance, 23 suspected ecstasy tablets, and drug paraphernalia.
Slaughter was taken into custody without incident and transported to the Natchitoches Parish Detention Center, where he was booked and charged with:
Possession of CDS Schedule I (Ecstasy)
Possession of CDS Schedule II (Methamphetamine)
Illegal Carrying of a Firearm in the Presence of Controlled Dangerous Substances
Careless Operation of a Vehicle
Driving Under Suspension
Deputies say Slaughter was operating a 2013 Ford Explorer traveling northbound on La. Hwy 117 when he apparently left the roadway, striking a tree before coming to a stop. There were no injuries reported.
Provencal Police investigated the crash. Additional traffic charges are pending. The seized evidence will be submitted to the crime lab for analysis. The investigation remains ongoing.
Involved in the arrest were Deputy C.J. Brown, assisted by Lt. M. Powell and Provencal Police Chief Eric Upchurch.
