Two East Texans Nabbed in Louisiana Following Reported Chase

NATCHITOCHES, La. — It’s been learned that two Henderson County men were arrested last weekend in Louisiana after allegedly leading authorities on a brief chase. KETK reports that around 1:30 on Sunday, Natchitoches Parish deputies responded to a reported gas drive-off at a Clarence, Louisiana, convenience store. Law enforcement intercepted the vehicle on Louisiana Highway 6 East near the city of Natchitoches, according to Sheriff Victor Jones, Jr.

Upon trying to stop the car, the driver tried to escape authorities, but the pursuit came to an abrupt end when the car became stuck in mud behind a local apartment complex, according to officials. Three people in the vehicle were then taken into custody by deputies and police officers. Deputies determined one of the three men should not be charged with any offense. During a search of the vehicle, authorities say they seized a .22 caliber revolver and a rubber mask. The Sheriff’s Office stated they also discovered drug paraphernalia commonly used to smoke methamphetamine.

The driver was identified as Jerrold Rany Crowell, 32, of Malakoff. He was charged with theft of fuel, flight from an officer, general speed law, and proper equipment required/vehicles. Torance E. McClean, 31, of Athens, was charged with possession of drug paraphernelia. Officials said the men were passing through the Clarence area after allegedly returning from a gambling trip in Avoyelles Parish. Deputies credit the store clerk with providing an accurate description of the vehicle and direction of travel to dispatchers which led to the quick apprehension of the suspects. Their vehicle was impounded by a local wrecker service.