THIBODAUX, La. — A seat belt violation led to the high-speed pursuit and arrest of a 32-year-old Houma man on multiple drugs and weapons charges Monday, State Police said.
Byron Nevis is charged with flight from an officer, reckless operation of a vehicle, hit-and-run driving, three counts of distribution of schedule I drugs, possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, distribution of schedule II drugs, possession of a firearm in the presence of drugs, possession of drug paraphernalia and transactions involving drug proceeds.
Shortly after 9 a.m., a trooper spotted Nevis driving a 2013 Chevrolet Silverado south on La. 24 at La. 660 without a seat belt, Senior Trooper Jesse LaGrange said.
After the trooper initiated a traffic stop, Nevis got out of his truck before climbing back inside and fleeing the scene, LaGrange said.
The suspect then led troopers on a chase on La. 24 North toward Thibodaux, police said. During the pursuit, Nevis struck another vehicle which caused minor damage and no injuries, LaGrange said.
Nevis drove to La. 3185 and then to La. 308, where he abandoned his truck and jumped into Bayou Lafourche, LaGrange said. Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries agents responded to the scene with a boat and eventually took the suspect into custody, LaGrange said.
Nevis was in possession of two guns, 361 grams of ecstasy, 165 grams of heroin, 3.42 pounds of marijuana, 3 grams of cocaine, eight packages of edible THC, two containers of THC lip balm and $39,177 in cash, police said.
He was booked into the Lafourche Parish jail, where he’s being held without bond. The suspect was also charged with a seat belt violation, LaGrange said.
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