Angie Man Charged With Terrorizing

The Washington Parish Sheriff's Office reports that Talage Wayne Ratliff, age 38 and a resident of Wilbur Dillon Road near Angie, called the WPSO on Tuesday (August 18, 2020) and reported that his wife and child were being held against their will and at gunpoint at another location. Deputies, detectives and narcotics officers rushed to the scene and while en route notified both the Rayburn Correctional Center canine team and Northshore EMS of the situation and asked them to respond also.

When officers arrived at the scene of the alleged crime, they encountered numerous people at the residence who were engaged in normal activities. The man who was alleged to have committed the crime was working on a dirt bike under the carport. There was no evidence of a crime in process and all persons present stated that the described situation never occurred.

Officers then left the location and went to Ratliff’s residence. When confronted with the situation, Ratliff confessed that he was the person who reported the alleged crime and that he did so because he does not like the other man because of his relationship with Ratliff’s ex-wife.

Ratliff  was arrested and transported to the Washington Parish Jail and booked on charges of terrorizing and criminal mischief. He remains in jail with his bond set at $10,000.

According to the WPSO, Ratliff is very familiar with the inside of the jail. His four previous arrests since 2013 include first degree rape, false imprisonment, distribution of illegal drugs, attempted robbery, battery of the infirm, theft, possession of stolen property and failure to appear in court.

“This could have evolved into a serious situation,” stated Sheriff Randy Seal. “All of our officers, as well as RCC officers and Northshore personnel, were at risk as they sped to the scene, believing that two persons might be in imminent danger. It is irresponsible and reckless for any person to falsely report a serious crime. Our officers are heroes. Each time they respond to a call, they unselfishly put their lives on the line. I appreciate all they do and am grateful to both RCC and Northshore for their willingness to assist any time we reach out to them.”