Mt. Hermon Man Jailed on Multiple Charges – He Fled But They Got Him!

May 3, 2019, was the beginning of Eric Fortenberry’s latest stay in the Washington Parish Jail.

Fortenberry (49), a resident of Crystal Springs Road in Mt. Hermon, is being held with no bond for charges of simple arson, burglary of an inhabited dwelling, battery on a police officer, resisting a police officer, three counts of theft, burglary, two counts of criminal trespass and being a fugitive from another jurisdiction.

Fortenberry’s arrest by the WPSO was the result of a joint investigation by the Sheriff’s Office and the Louisiana State Fire Marshal into several thefts, burglaries and fires in the Pleasant Hill Road, R.J. Riley Road and Highway 1056 areas.

As Washington Parish Sheriff’s Officers were attempting to arrest Fortenberry, he broke loose and fled with one handcuff attached to his wrist. Officers from several agencies responded to help in the search for Fortenberry, including Rayburn Correctional Center Canine Team, Louisiana Department of Probation and Parole and Louisiana State Police. Fortenberry was located and taken into custody a short while later.

Fortenberry’s May 3 arrest is his seventh since 2007. His arrest record includes charges of vehicle theft, possession of illegal drugs, burglary, criminal damage to property, criminal trespass and probation violation.

Sheriff Randy Seal thanked all who assisted in the search for Fortenberry. “Our law enforcement partners from Rayburn Correctional Center, Louisiana State Fire Marshal, Louisiana Department of Probation and Parole and Louisiana State Police always stand ready to assist at any time we need them. We are so grateful for all they do for the citizens of Washington Parish. It seems Mr. Fortenberry is determined to spend time behind bars, which is exactly where he belongs. I am so grateful for all of the hard work devoted to identifying and arresting Eric Fortenberry.”