A Mississippi man was arrested on multiple charges, including third-offense driving while intoxicated, after a traffic-related investigation in Natchitoches Parish led to the seizure of suspected methamphetamine and a firearm, according to the Natchitoches Parish Sheriff’s Office.
Deputies assigned to the NPSO Patrol Operations Bureau were patrolling on La. Highway 1 South near Natchez at approximately 1:18 a.m. on May 29 when they observed a 2011 Chevrolet pickup truck stopped partially on the fog line with its emergency flashers activated. Deputies stopped to check on the vehicle and assist the driver.
The driver was identified as 27-year-old Wyatt R. Milnick of Utica, Mississippi. Deputies reported observing signs of impairment during their contact with Milnick. According to investigators, Milnick told deputies he was traveling from Pineville to Ruston, despite driving southbound, and admitted to recently consuming THC gummies. He also informed deputies that an AR-15-style rifle was inside the vehicle.
Deputies requested that Milnick perform standardized field sobriety tests, but he refused. Based on their observations, deputies arrested him without incident.
An inventory search of the vehicle reportedly resulted in the seizure of an open alcoholic beverage container, a glass smoking device commonly associated with narcotics use, a bottle containing suspected fraudulent urine and an American Tactical AR-15 .223-caliber semi-automatic rifle. The vehicle was later towed from the scene.
After arriving at the Natchitoches Detention Center, Milnick voluntarily informed deputies that he had a bag containing suspected methamphetamine concealed on his person. Corrections staff recovered approximately six grams of suspected methamphetamine from the groin area, according to authorities.
As the investigation continued, deputies obtained a search warrant authorizing the collection of a blood sample to determine the presence of alcohol or controlled substances in Milnick’s system. The blood sample and all evidence seized in the case will be submitted to a crime laboratory for analysis.
Milnick was booked on charges of third-offense DWI, possession of a Schedule II controlled dangerous substance (methamphetamine), possession of drug paraphernalia, illegal possession of a firearm in the presence of a controlled dangerous substance and driving under suspension.
He remains in the Natchitoches Detention Center pending bond and court proceedings.
Deputy Cpl. N. Kerby was assisted in the investigation by Deputies A. Mays and K. Edwards.