WPSO Arrests Convicted Felon on Numerous Charges

Yesterday (September 27, 2020), Washington Parish Sheriff’s Office deputies Kyle Stogner and Chance
Johnson were patrolling on Highway 21 north of Bogalusa when they encountered a speeding vehicle traveling southbound. The deputies pursued the speeding vehicle and were able to stop it on Florida Avenue near North Border Drive.

Upon approaching the vehicle, deputies recognized the driver as Ja’Vontay M. Owens, age 27 and a resident of Mercedes Street in Bogalusa, a wanted person with outstanding warrants. In addition to the arrest warrants, Owens also was arrested for possession of various quantities of illegal drugs and other charges.

After Owens was handcuffed, he reportedly confessed to having a quantity of illegal drugs concealed in his underwear. Two bags of drugs were retrieved, with one containing marijuana and the other containing heroin and methamphetamine. A search of the vehicle revealed a quantity of cocaine along with a loaded 9mm Glock semi-automatic pistol. The pistol had one round of ammunition in the chamber and fifteen rounds in the magazine.

Lt. Chris Hickman and Detective Chad Cassard arrived to assist and an additional quantity of heroin was discovered concealed in an overhead sunglass holder. Also seized was $350 dollars in cash, three cell phones and the vehicle which was registered to an individual with a Folsom, Louisiana address.

Owens was booked into the Washington Parish Jail on charges of five counts of possession of illegal drugs with intent to distribute, being a convicted felon in possession of a firearm, aggravated flight from an officer, possession of drug paraphernalia, contempt of court, battery and twelve traffic offenses. His bond was set at $200,500.

Owens has a previous stay in the Washington Parish Jail. In July 2018, he was arrested for two counts of possession of illegal drugs with intent to distribute, two counts of possession of illegal drugs, two counts of possession of drug paraphernalia, battery and being a convicted felon in possession of a firearm.

“His record speaks for itself,” stated Sheriff Randy Seal. “I can think of no conceivable legal reason why he should be driving in our parish armed with a fully loaded semi-automatic pistol and a quantity of illegal drugs. I seriously doubt he was on his way to church. Good job, deputies!”