An Avoyelles Parish Sheriff’s Office Deputy, while on proactive patrol in the Marksville area near Highway 1191, conducted a traffic stop on a vehicle for an equipment violation on Oct. 13 at approximately 10:48pm.

During the stop, the driver was identified as Travis James Bardwell, 41, of Hessmer. A routine computer check revealed Mr. Bardwell had an outstanding warrant for his arrest for Contempt of Court. After Mr. Bardwell was taken into custody, a firearm was located inside his vehicle. A subsequent criminal history investigation confirmed that Mr. Bardwell is a convicted felon and is prohibited by law from possessing a firearm.

Travis James Bardwell was transported and booked into the Avoyelles Parish Sheriff’s Office Detention
Center 1 on the following charges: Possession of a Firearm by a Person Convicted of Certain Felonies and Contempt of Court (Failure to Appear – Domestic Abuse Battery).

This arrest is a direct result of the deputies’ proactive patrols. The Avoyelles Parish Sheriff’s Office remains committed to being vigilant in our communities to keep citizens safe.

Sheriff David L. Dauzat reminds all citizens to report any suspicious 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.