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Iota woman arrested following traffic stop, struggle with officer

Posted at 1:17 PM, Dec 24, 2018
and last updated 2018-12-24 14:17:31-05

An Iota woman was arrested last week, accused of fleeing from police officers during a traffic stop and allegedly attempting to grab an officers gun.

Police say on Tuesday December 18, a patrol officer with the Iota Police Department observed a traffic violation on South First Street and initiated a traffic stop.

The driver, identified as 55-year-old Linda Leckelt, allegedly gave the officer a false identity when questioned. Upon being told that she would be going to jail for falsely identifying herself a struggle ensued.

Linda Leckelt (red)
Linda Leckelt courtesy Iota Police Department

Officers say Leckelt, in an attempt to flee, was able to reverse the vehicle, dragging the officer several feet until striking the front of the officer’s patrol car.  Leckelt then allegedly led the officer on a brief vehicle pursuit that ended on Nickel Road.

Leckelt exited the vehicle and fled on foot ending with a brief struggle at which time officers say Leckelt attempted to grab the officer’s weapon.

Leckelt was arrested with the help of the Acadia Parish Sheriff’s Office and transported to Crowley Acadian General Hospital for evaluation before being transported to the Acadia Parish Jail for booking.

She has been charged with the following:

  • Failure to identify
  • Driving with a suspended license
  • Resisting arrest
  • Attempted first degree murder
  • Hit and run
  • Flight from an officer
  • Reckless operation of a motor vehicle
  • Attempted disarming of a peace officer.