Wanted Louisiana Man and Two Juveniles Arrested After Suspect Flees, Throws Loaded Firearm During Traffic Stop

Natchitoches Parish, Louisiana – A wanted Louisiana man and two juveniles were arrested after a suspect fled and threw a loaded firearm during a traffic stop.

On March 7, 2023, the Natchitoches Parish Sheriff Stuart Wright reported that a Powhatan, Louisiana suspect wanted by the Natchitoches Parish Sheriff’s Office (NPSO) and Red River Parish Sheriff’s Office was arrested on Friday afternoon after fleeing a traffic stop and ditching an AR-15 semi-automatic rifle near a Cypress, Louisiana business.

Deputies assigned to the NPSO Patrol Operations Bureau were working stationary patrol on LA Hwy 120 just west of LA Hwy 1 near Cypress on Friday afternoon, March 3, 2023, at approximately 5:00 pm, when they observed a white 2012 Chevrolet Impala occupied by Dewitt D. Edwards of Powhatan wanted by the Natchitoches and Red River Sheriff’s Offices on outstanding felony criminal warrants for 2-counts of Illegal Possession of Stolen Things, 2-counts of Simple Burglary

Authorities stopped the vehicle as it approached the business’s parking area.

Three individuals exited the vehicle, one clutching an AR-15 semi-automatic rifle, and began running, fleeing to a field behind the business.
A deputy on a foot pursuit of Edwards reportedly spotted him throwing the AR-15 into some grass in an attempt to conceal the weapon.
The deputy ordered Edwards to “Stop” many times. Edwards surrendered and was apprehended without incident.
More sheriff’s units were dispatched to help.

Edwards then reportedly yelled to the other two male juveniles to “stop running”.
The two juveniles were then apprehended.

For evidence, deputies reportedly recovered and seized a loaded LA Brothers Arms AR-15 semi-automatic gun.
Deputies seized around 7 grams of suspected marijuana and drug paraphernalia during a vehicle search.
A female passenger in the vehicle who claimed to be the owner of the suspected marijuana was cited for Simple Possession of CDS I Marijuana.

Dewitt D. Edwards, 18, of the 1400 block of LA Highway 1, Powhatan, Louisiana, was arrested and placed into the Natchitoches Parish Detention Center on charges of Illegal Possession of Stolen Things, Criminal Obstruction of Justice, and Resisting an Officer in Natchitoches Parish. He was also charged with one count of Illegal Possession of Stolen Things, two counts of Simple Burglary, and one count of Domestic Abuse in Red River Parish.

Edwards is still being held in the Natchitoches Parish Detention Center on Natchitoches Parish criminal charges and a Red River Parish Sheriff’s Office hold.
The minors were interviewed at the Criminal Investigations Division before being released into the care of a parent or guardian.

According to detectives, this is an ongoing and active investigation.

Authorities are asking anyone with information about Mr. Edwards to contact the NPSO Criminal Investigations Division at 318-357-7830.

Sheriff Stuart Wright commended the apprehending deputy for his patience and reliance on his training in apprehending an offender who may be involved in further criminal conduct in Natchitoches and Red River Parishes.

NPSO indicated that if residents notice any unusual behavior in their neighborhood, call the Natchitoches Parish Sheriff’s Office at 318-352-6432.

The Case Agent, in this case, is Detective Cpt. Darrel Winder, NPSO Criminal Investigations Division.

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