BOGALUSA, La. — The suspect in connection with a homicide investigation was located and arrested on Saturday after he was seen walking down Highway 21, according to the Washington Parish Sheriff's Office.
Clois Clifton Blackledge III, 35, was identified as a person of interest in the investigation after a man was found dead from multiple gunshot wounds behind his home in the 1200 block of South Choctaw Road on Friday.
The victim was identified as 62-year-old Lark Starnes, a resident of South Choctaw Road near Bogalusa.
Authorities said investigators returned to Poole's Bluff boat early Saturday morning and while searching they " received reports of a man matching Blackledge’s description walking down Highway 21 and Mitchell Road, south of Bogalusa."
Deputies then contacted Blackledge, confirmed his identity and took him in for questioning.
Blackledge was arrested and charged with two felonies; one count of Second-Degree Murder and one count of Obstruction of Justice.
The department asked for the public's help in locating Blackledge III on Friday.
According to deputies, WPSO responded to the call around 8:15 a.m. on Friday.
Deputies said Blackledge was last seen riding a Honda motorcycle that may have been repainted white from its original black and silver color scheme.
Blackledge is linked to two addresses, including one in Bogalusa and another in Bush, located in St. Tammany Parish.
Previous criminal history includes two previous arrests:
- 02/14/2014 TANGIPAHOA, LA SO ARRESTED
- 09/01/2017 BOGALUSA, LA PD ARRESTED
See the complete 'Person of Interest' below:
The investigation is ongoing.
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