An Avoyelles Parish Sheriff’s Office Patrol Deputy was conducting routine patrol in the vicinity of Hessmer on Oct. 23 at approximately 3:41am.
The deputy observed a subject riding a bicycle on the sidewalk of Highway 115 near the “APM” gas station. The cyclist’s body appeared that of a male. The cyclist was wearing a mask concealing his face. The deputy initiated a traffic stop on the bicycle. The cyclist/violator then came to a stop. As the deputy exited his patrol vehicle, the violator began to flee the stop. A pursuit was initiated and traveled from Highway 115 onto Highway 114, heading west. The violator engaged a motor on the bicycle, reaching speeds of 36 miles per hour. Near the intersection of Highway 114 and T-Williams Road, the violator abandoned the motorized bicycle and fled on foot.
After a foot pursuit, the deputy apprehended the violator, who actively resisted arrest before being safely taken into custody. The violator was identified as 36-year-old Nicholas D. Lavalais of Hessmer. The deputy immediately confirmed Mr. Lavalais was a wanted fugitive from justice. On Sept. 8, Mr. Lavalais pled guilty and was sentenced in the 12th Judicial District Court for Possession of a Firearm by a Convicted Felon and Possession of Schedule I CDS (Heroin). He was ordered to report on Sept. 15 to begin serving his concurrent sentences. Mr. Lavalais failed to report, and a warrant was issued for his arrest.
In addition to the fugitive warrant, Marksville Police Department issued a ‘Be On the Lookout’ (BOLO) advisory for Mr. Lavalais because he was wanted as a suspect in connection with several recent crimes, including Felony Theft of a Motor Vehicle, Simple Burglary (Felony), Criminal Damage to Property (Misdemeanor), and Criminal Mischief (Misdemeanor). A background check revealed Mr. Lavalais’s criminal history is 22 pages long without his new charges. He is classified as a “Felon” and “Violent Offender.”
Mr. Lavalais was transported and booked into the Avoyelles Parish Sheriff’s Office DC-1. Mr. Lavalais was charged with the Fugitive Warrant, Flight from an Officer, Resisting an Officer, Possession of Synthetic Cannabinoids and numerous other violations. Mr. Lavalais will remain in custody to serve his time and will have a future court date(s) for his new charges.
Sheriff David L. Dauzat commends the deputy for his proactive policing and his courage to carry out his duty. “This arrest highlights the fact that even seemingly routine encounters can be dangerous. This subject was actively fleeing justice to avoid a 5-year prison sentence, was wanted for other felony crimes, and his 22-page, criminal history shows he is a clear threat to our community. Our deputies are committed to identifying and apprehending those who evade the law, and we are pleased to have taken this convicted, violent offender off the streets,” stated the sheriff.
If anyone has information on criminal activity, contact the Avoyelles Parish Sheriff’s Office at 318-253-4000.
All persons arrested are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.