Suspected Catalytic Converter Thief Arrested After Two Chases, Multiple Bayou Escapes In St. Martin Parish

A suspected catalytic converter thief wanted on drug charges is behind bars after leading law enforcement on two separate pursuits, swimming across Bayou Teche multiple times, and evading deputies for several hours in St. Martin Parish.

According to an exclusive report from News 15, the unusual series of events unfolded Monday morning and did not end until late in the day when deputies located the suspect hiding in a tree.

Initial Traffic Stop Turns Into Pursuit

Authorities say deputies attempted to stop a vehicle driven by the suspect around 9:30 a.m. on Cecilia Senior High School Highway in Breaux Bridge.

Instead of pulling over, the driver allegedly fled from deputies, crashing near the Henderson roundabout before continuing onto Interstate 10.

Deputies said the suspect eventually stopped the vehicle but escaped by jumping into a nearby pond and disappearing from the area.

Search Continues Across St. Martin Parish

Not long after the initial escape, authorities received reports that the suspect had been spotted running near Anse Broussard.

Deputies located him again near the intersection of Kathleen Drive in Cecilia, but officials say the man once more managed to evade capture by jumping into Bayou Teche and swimming across the waterway.

Law enforcement established a perimeter and continued searching throughout the day.

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Second Chase Begins Hours Later

The investigation took another turn around 5:30 p.m. when deputies conducting surveillance near the suspect's home on Sosthene Guilbeau Road observed a vehicle leaving the property.

Deputies attempted another traffic stop near the intersection of Grand Anse Highway and Grand Point Highway. According to investigators, a woman was driving the vehicle while the wanted suspect was riding in the back seat.

Authorities say the driver refused to stop, leading deputies on a second pursuit through portions of St. Martin Parish.

During that chase, the suspect reportedly exited the vehicle on Poydras Highway and again jumped into Bayou Teche, swimming across the water in another attempt to escape.

Suspect Found Hiding In Tree

With assistance from the Breaux Bridge Police Department, deputies continued searching the area before locating the suspect on Sidonia Drive.

Investigators say the man was discovered hiding in a tree and was taken into custody without further incident.

The suspect was already wanted on a warrant alleging possession with intent to distribute Schedule II narcotics. He now faces additional charges that include aggravated flight from an officer.

Authorities also expect the woman involved in the second pursuit to be booked on aggravated flight from an officer charges.

Investigation Remains Active

The St. Martin Parish Sheriff's Office says the man is also suspected in catalytic converter thefts that have been reported in the area.

Officials have not yet released the identities of either person arrested, as the investigation remains ongoing.

UPDATE:

Additional charges could be forthcoming as detectives continue reviewing the events surrounding both pursuits.