Three people were injured in a crash late last night, when they attempted to flee from Natchitoches Parish Sheriff’s Deputies on a stolen utility terrain vehicle according to Natchitoches Parish Sheriff Stuart Wright.
It all began, on Tuesday evening June 25, 2024, at approximately 11:25pm, when NPSO Deputy N. Kerby assigned to the NPSO Patrol Operations Bureau observed a utility terrain vehicle illegally traveling northbound on La. Hwy 1 just south of La. Hwy 478 without any headlights or tail lamps.
The deputy immediately attempted to stop the vehicle, however, it failed to stop turning left onto La. Hwy 478. The UTV continued to travel westbound pulling off the road near Old River Road. The UTV then pulled back onto the roadway and continued westbound on La. Hwy 478 continuously crossing over the centerline traveling in the opposite lane without any visible lighting. The UTV continued westbound on La. Hwy 478 then abruptly attempted to turn left onto the Natchez-Flora Road where it rolled over onto its left side coming to a rest on the left shoulder.
The deputy learned there were three occupants in the vehicle all suffering from what appeared to be non-life threatening injuries. Natchitoches Regional Medical EMS was contacted and responded to the scene. Additional NPSO Deputies responded to assist.
Deputies identified two males, ages 21 & 23, and a 19 year-old female as occupants of the UTV. All three were transported from the scene by EMS to a regional trauma center with non-life threatening injuries. Deputies also discovered evidence leading them to believe that a fourth occupant may have fled the scene on foot. Deputies ran the UTV vehicle identification number learning that it was a 2023 Honda valued at $25,000.00 dollars registered to a Natchez resident. Shortly after 1:00am, deputies traveled to the registered owner’s address where they were able to speak to him. They learned the UTV had probably been stolen just prior to the deputy observing it on La. Hwy 1.
Deputies completed a stolen vehicle report for investigative purposes. The UTV was stored at a Natchitoches Detention Center storage building for processing. Deputies say this is an active and ongoing investigation with arrests pending.
Detectives with the NPSO Criminal Investigations Bureau will continue the active investigation
Deputy N.Kerby was assisted by Lt. M.Powell, Sgt. A.Llorence, and Deputy B.Remo
