Louisiana State Police Troopers in Troop A arrested a Livingston man after a traffic stop on Thursday, August 15.
Troopers stopped a truck for a traffic violation on I-10 near Port Allen in West Baton Rouge Parish. The vehicle was driven by 39-year-old Darrell Ray Smith, Jr. of Livingston.
During the course of the traffic stop, Troopers became suspicious of criminal activity and requested consent to search the vehicle. Upon doing so, Troopers discovers nearly five and a half pounds of methamphetamines.
As Troopers attempted to arrest Smith, he became resistant by pushing and kicking the officers. Smith was able to re-enter his vehicle and began to flee the traffic stop with a Trooper trapped in the driver side door jamb. Smith accelerated and began to drag the Trooper across the road. The officer eventually broke free and landed on the road.
The trooper sustained minor injuries and Smith escaped the traffic stop.
Later in the evening of August 15, the Fugitive Apprehension Unit, which is composed of Louisiana State Police Troopers, East Baton Rouge Parish Sheriff's Deputies, and Baton Rouge Police Officers, located Smith and placed him under arrest in Hammond.
Smith was charged with Attempted Murder of a Police Officer, Batter on a Police Officer, Aggravated Flight from an Officer, Resisting an Officer with Force or Violence, Possession with the Intent to Distribute Schedule II Drugs, and Improper Lane Usage.
The case is still under investigation and there may be further charges.
