A Natchitoches man was arrested Tuesday night after deputies observed suspected narcotics being thrown from a vehicle into the Cane River, according to Natchitoches Parish Sheriff Stuart Wright.
NPSO Patrol Operations Bureau deputies were patrolling Louisiana Highway 1 (South Drive) near Rapides Drive on Jan. 20 around 10:23 pm when they attempted to stop a white 2015 Ford Escape for multiple traffic violations.
Deputies activated emergency lights, but the driver failed to stop and continued traveling northbound. As the vehicle crossed the Cane River Bridge near Honda Village, deputies observed several baggies being thrown from the vehicle into the river. The vehicle continued northbound and eventually stopped in the River South Commons shopping center. Additional NPSO deputies and officers with the Natchitoches Police Department responded to assist. Four occupants of the vehicle were detained while the investigation continued.
Deputies returned to the Cane River Bridge area and located a cellophane bag containing suspected methamphetamine in the area where the items were observed being discarded. In addition, a subsequent probable cause search of the vehicle led to the discovery and seizure of three additional cellophane bags containing suspected fentanyl.
As a result of the investigation, Leonard W. Solitaire, also known as “Rabbit,” 43, of the 100 block of Vienna Parkway in Natchitoches, was arrested and transported to the LaSalle Corrections/Natchitoches Detention Center. He was charged with:
• Possession of CDS Schedule II Methamphetamine
• Possession of CDS Schedule II Fentanyl
• Second or Subsequent Offense involving CDS Schedule II
• Criminal Obstruction of Justice
• Littering
Deputies also learned Solitaire who has a prior arrest history, was wanted by the Winn Parish Sheriff’s Office on an outstanding warrant. He remains incarcerated at the Natchitoches Detention Center.
The driver of the vehicle was issued citations for faulty vehicle equipment, running a red light, and failure to signal. The remaining two passengers were released.
All seized evidence will be submitted to the crime lab for analysis. NPSO Drug Enforcement Unit agents are assisting with the ongoing investigation. Deputy Cpl. J. Dranguet, Deputy T. Graves, Deputy J. Bellow, and Deputy Sgt. D. Halliburton were involved in the arrest.
“All Persons are Presumed Innocent Until Proven Guilty in Court”