Juvenile Arrested in Bogalusa After High Speed Chase

On July 1, 2018, when Washington Parish Sheriff’s Office Patrol Sergeant Charles Easterling was driving from Bogalusa to Angie to investigate a report of a stolen vehicle, he saw the reported stolen vehicle headed south on Highway 21. Sgt. Easterling turned around and pursued the vehicle with emergency lights and siren.
The reported stolen vehicle failed to yield and proceeded into Bogalusa, passing on double yellow lines, running the red light at Louisiana Avenue and reaching speeds in excess of 80 miles per hour on Sullivan Drive while running other vehicles off of the road.
Meanwhile, Patrol Deputy Jay Dupre joined the chase and was able to force the stolen vehicle off of the road at which time it struck a tree. Sgt. Easterling and Deputy Dupre approached the vehicle on foot, commanded the driver to exit, but the driver refused and attempted to use the pointed end of an umbrella as a weapon against the officers. Deputy Dupre was struck on the shoulder, after which he deployed his taser to subdue the driver.
The driver, a 17 year old juvenile, was arrested, handcuffed and transported by Northshore Emergency Medical Services to Our Lady of the Angels Hospital for medical evaluation. After being cleared medically, he booked and then transported to the Florida Parishes Juvenile Detention Center.
Due to the juvenile status of the arrested driver, his name, photograph and other personal information is withheld. Senate Bill 324, which took effect in 2016, changed the age at which a person is considered a juvenile. Prior to July 1, 2018, a 17 year old arrestee would have been remanded to adult custody. 
“I am grateful no one was injured,” stated Sheriff Randy Seal. “The young man made foolish decisions when he stole the vehicle and then refused to yield to law enforcement officers. He is now in proper custody and I am confident the juvenile justice system will manage him appropriately. Good job, Sgt. Easterling and Deputy Dupre.”