A late-night traffic stop in Natchitoches Parish resulted in the arrests of two individuals and the seizure of narcotics and a firearm, according to Natchitoches Parish Sheriff Stuart Wright.
The incident began on March 25 around 12:20 a.m., while deputies were assisting the Natchitoches Police Department with a “shots fired” call near 1815 South Drive. Authorities were looking for a Dodge Charger believed to be connected to the report.
Deputies later spotted and attempted to stop a Dodge Charger on Sadia Street for a traffic violation. The driver failed to stop, continued onto South Bend Drive, and attempted to pull into a private driveway.
As deputies approached the vehicle, the driver—identified as 33-year-old Christopher D. Jordan of Natchitoches—exited the car in an aggressive manner and began yelling at deputies, according to officials. Deputies say Jordan refused commands and resisted arrest, allegedly threatening officers during the encounter.
A female passenger exited the vehicle during the incident and initially left the scene. Authorities say a crowd also gathered and interfered with deputies as they attempted to take Jordan into custody. Additional assistance was requested from the Natchitoches Police Department and Louisiana State Police to help control the situation.
After the scene was secured, deputies conducted an inventory of the vehicle and later identified the owner as 44-year-old Carolyn M. Mitchell of Natchitoches, who returned to the scene. Authorities say Mitchell had three active warrants through the Natchitoches City Marshal’s Office and was arrested without incident.
The vehicle search led to the discovery and seizure of a loaded Smith & Wesson M&P Series handgun, 51 suspected ecstasy tablets, approximately six grams of suspected marijuana, and drug paraphernalia. The vehicle was towed from the scene.
Both Jordan and Mitchell were booked into the LaSalle Corrections/Natchitoches Detention Center. Jordan faces charges including failure to yield to emergency vehicles, resisting an officer with force or violence, public intimidation, and traffic violations. Mitchell faces charges including possession of CDS I ecstasy with intent to distribute, possession of marijuana, flight from an officer, illegal possession of a firearm in the presence of controlled dangerous substances, and possession of drug paraphernalia.
Authorities say Mitchell admitted to owning the seized drugs and firearm. Both suspects have since been released on bond pending court appearances, with bond set at $22,500 for Jordan and $32,500 for Mitchell by a 10th Judicial District Judge.
Sheriff Wright credited deputies and assisting agencies for safely bringing the situation under control and used the incident to remind the public about the dangers of interfering with law enforcement.
“Crowds gathering, shouting, or attempting to involve themselves can escalate tensions, place officers and suspects at risk, and jeopardize public safety,” Wright said.
The investigation remains ongoing. All persons are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
