Lake Charles, Louisiana - On February 13, at approximately 12:30 p.m., deputies from the Calcasieu Parish Sheriff's Office were dispatched to a retail location on Gerstner Memorial Drive in Lake Charles, Louisiana following reports of a shoplifting incident. The deputies conducted an investigation and were able to identify a sport utility vehicle (SUV) that was potentially connected to the theft.

As they continued their inquiry, deputies spotted the SUV driving on Gerstner Memorial Drive and initiated a traffic stop. The driver, later identified as 57-year-old Carl J. Watson from Westlake, Louisiana reportedly refused to stop and fled the scene, prompting deputies to pursue him. During the chase, Watson crashed into a marked law enforcement vehicle at the intersection of Gerstner Memorial Drive and 3rd Avenue. Following the collision, he allegedly attempted to escape on foot but was quickly apprehended by the pursuing deputies.

CPSO reported that upon searching the SUV, deputies discovered a firearm inside the vehicle. Following the incident, Watson was taken into custody and transported to a local hospital for evaluation. After he was released from the hospital, Watson was booked into the Calcasieu Correctional Center.

Watson is facing multiple charges, including aggravated battery, aggravated flight from an officer, possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, theft involving amounts between $1,000 and $5,000, and resisting an officer by flight. Furthermore, it was revealed that he had four active warrants related to theft and two warrants for contempt of court. The specifics of his bond are currently pending.

Deputy Blake Davenport of the Calcasieu Parish Sheriff's Office is the arresting officer in this case.

An arrest is an indication that probable cause exists to believe the subject was involved in the offense alleged. All persons are presumed innocent until proven guilty.