Washington Parish Sheriff's Office Apprehends Suspect Following Pursuit and Recovery of Stolen Firearm

Last Friday (September 22, 2023), Washington Parish Sheriff's Office Deputy First Class Randall Garcia of the Washington Parish Sheriff's Office (WPSO) was on patrol at the intersection of La 438 and La 424 in Washington Parish when he observed an off-road vehicle being driven on the roadway. He began following the vehicle, which was traveling eastbound on La 438, and activated his emergency lights when the subject failed to stop. The pursuit continued as the subject attempted to evade DFC Garcia by traveling westbound in the opposing lane of travel.

The suspect, identified as 29 year-old Rushawn Fabre of Franklinton, was observed wearing a black hoodie and a black ski mask, constantly checking to see if DFC Garcia was pursuing him. Fabre eventually abandoned the dirt bike and fled on foot, prompting DFC Garcia to follow. Fabre fled toward La 438, where he disappeared into a field.

With the assistance of Deputy First Class Blaine Polk and Sergeant Mitchell NeSmith, DFC Garcia initiated a search for Fabre. During the search, a citizen reported encountering Fabre, who had a firearm and had assaulted him before fleeing. DFC Garcia eventually located a mobile home on the property being searched with skirting removed on the east side. Under the mobile home, DFC Garcia discovered the ski mask and backpack worn by Fabre. He conducted a short sweep under the trailer, but Fabre was not immediately visible. Sgt. NeSmith contacted the homeowner while DFC Garcia continued to search the yard. DFC Blaine Polk then spotted Fabre under the trailer and alerted the others.

Fabre was identified as having numerous outstanding warrants through the 22nd Judicial District Court. While conducting a search incidental to arrest, DFC Garcia discovered a black handgun concealed under some insulation under the trailer. The firearm, when checked through the NCIC database, was confirmed as stolen through the St. Tammany Parish Sheriff's Office.

Rushawn Fabre was transported to the WPSO Jail and booked on the charges of Resisting an Officer, Resisting a Police Officer With Force or Violence, Off-Road Vehicles Prohibited on Hwy, Resisting by Flight/Aggravated Flight, Resisting an Officer/Flight on Foot, Obstruction of Justice, and Contempt of Court (3 counts) by the Washington Parish Sheriff's Office. Bond set at $11600.00. 

“The Washington Parish Sheriff's Office commends Deputy First Class Randall Garcia, Deputy First Class Blaine Polk, and Sergeant Mitchell NeSmith for their exemplary teamwork and dedication in ensuring the safety of our community. By moving quickly and working together, they were able to keep something tragic from happening,” stated Sheriff Randy “Country” Seal.