Natchitoches Parish Sheriff's Office

06/10/2026

NPSO: Boyce Woman Arrested While Speeding in I-49 Construction Zone Near Natchitoches

Natchitoches – A Boyce woman who had reportedly been cited in DeSoto Parish for traveling 96 miles per hour in a 75 mph speed zone just two hours earlier was cited and arrested on traffic and drug charges during her return trip through a construction zone on Interstate 49 near Mile Marker 143 north of Natchitoches on Tuesday morning, according to Natchitoches Parish Sheriff Stuart Wright.

On Tuesday morning, June 9, 2026, at approximately 11:13 a.m., a Natchitoches Parish Sheriff's Office Patrol Deputy conducting stationary radar enforcement in the I-49 construction zone near Mile Marker 143 observed a 2021 Mazda 6 passenger car traveling southbound at a speed of 102 miles per hour in a posted 65 mph construction zone.

Deputies identified the driver as 18-year-old Angele G. Dauzart of Boyce, Louisiana. Two additional occupants, an adult female and a child, were also in the vehicle.

While speaking with Dauzart, deputies detected a strong odor of ma*****na emanating from inside the vehicle. A probable cause search of the vehicle resulted in the discovery and seizure of approximately 8 grams of suspected ma*****na. Deputies also observed documentation indicating Dauzart had been issued a speeding citation in Allen Parish on June 5 for traveling more than 25 miles per hour over the posted speed limit.

Dauzart was placed under arrest without incident and transported to the Natchitoches Parish Detention Center where she was booked on the following charges:

Speeding 102 mph in a 65 mph zone
Possession of CDS Schedule I Ma*****na

The seized narcotics will be submitted to the crime laboratory for analysis.

The adult passenger and child were transported by another deputy to a safe location. The vehicle was removed from the scene by a local towing service.

Dauzart also has two other criminal arrests in January and March of 2026.

This remains an ongoing investigation.

Deputy Sgt. B. Keyser made the arrest.

Construction Zone Safety Reminder

The Natchitoches Parish Sheriff's Office reminds motorists that highway construction zones are among the most dangerous areas on Louisiana roadways. Workers, heavy equipment, changing traffic patterns, narrowed lanes, concrete barriers, and sudden traffic slowdowns significantly increase the risk of serious crashes.

Motorists traveling through construction zones should:

Slow down and obey all posted speed limits.
Eliminate distractions and keep their full attention on the roadway.
Increase following distance between vehicles.
Watch for workers, construction vehicles, and changing lane configurations.
Merge early when directed by traffic control devices.
Never drive aggressively or attempt to pass in restricted areas.
Expect sudden stops and traffic backups.

Excessive speed in construction zones endangers roadway workers, motorists, passengers, and families traveling Louisiana highways. Deputies will continue conducting enforcement efforts in construction zones to promote safe travel and reduce preventable crashes.

Sheriff Wright encourages all motorists to drive responsibly and remember that a few minutes saved by speeding is never worth risking a life.

06/10/2026

NPSO Utilizes All-Terrain Equipment With Assistance of Private Citizen to Recover Disabled Senior Citizens’ Vehicle Near Marthaville

Marthaville – This afternoon, a senior citizen couple visited the Natchitoches Parish Sheriff’s Office and requested assistance in locating their disabled vehicle on Allen-Marthaville Road, a private road in the Marthaville area.

Deputies say the couple informed them that approximately two weeks ago, they were traveling from Zwolle to Natchitoches when their GPS navigation system directed them onto Allen-Marthaville Road, where their vehicle became stuck due to poor road conditions.

The couple advised deputies they contacted the Natchitoches Parish Sheriff’s Office for assistance on the day the vehicle became disabled. A deputy responded to the area, and due to the difficult terrain, the couple walked out to meet the deputy. The deputy then transported them safely to their residence in Natchitoches.

This afternoon, Deputy Joseph Brown researched previous CAD calls and, using information obtained during the investigation, was able to determine the likely location of the vehicle.

Deputies responded to the area and began walking the private road in an effort to locate the vehicle. After locating it, deputies determined road conditions were too poor for a wrecker to safely access the area.

Sgt. Collin Crow, Deputy Brittany Desadier, and Deputy Joseph Brown transported a Natchitoches Parish Sheriff’s Office UTV to the scene to gain access to the remote location. They were joined by Mr. Casey Durr, a private citizen who leases property in the area and possessed valuable knowledge of the terrain and access routes.

Working together, deputies secured recovery straps to the vehicle and successfully removed it from the difficult terrain, allowing the vehicle to be returned to the grateful owners.

Sheriff Stuart Wright commended the deputies for their dedication and willingness to go the extra mile to assist citizens in need. Sheriff Wright also extended a sincere thank you to Mr. Casey Durr for volunteering his time, equipment knowledge, and local expertise to help make the recovery possible.

"This is a great example of neighbors helping neighbors and law enforcement working hand-in-hand with the community," said Sheriff Wright. "We are thankful for Mr. Durr’s assistance and proud of our deputies for their commitment to serving others. Seeing the relief and appreciation from this couple after recovering their vehicle made the effort well worthwhile."

The Natchitoches Parish Sheriff’s Office reminds motorists traveling in rural areas to use caution when relying on GPS navigation systems, as some routes may direct travelers onto private roads or unimproved roadways that may not be suitable for regular passenger vehicles.

06/09/2026

Louisiana motorists should be aware of an important change to state law regarding vehicle inspection stickers.

During the 2026 Regular Legislative Session, HB 1085 was passed by the Louisiana Legislature and signed into law by Governor Jeff Landry. Under this new law, personal, non-commercial vehicles registered in Louisiana will no longer be required to display a vehicle inspection sticker beginning January 1, 2027.

Additionally, from June 30, 2026, through January 1, 2027, law enforcement officers are prohibited from issuing citations solely for failing to display or produce a certificate of inspection. As a result, Louisiana State Police have immediately ceased enforcement of inspection sticker violations.

As with any change in Louisiana law, our focus during this transition period will be on educating motorists, answering questions, and helping the public understand how these changes affect them moving forward.

Motorists are reminded that all other traffic laws and vehicle equipment requirements remain in effect. Drivers should continue to ensure their vehicles are safe and properly maintained before traveling on Louisiana roadways.

06/09/2026

NPSO Detectives Arrest Natchitoches Man in Connection with April Homicide Investigation

Natchitoches – Natchitoches Parish Sheriff’s Detectives have arrested a Natchitoches man in connection with the April shooting death of 18-year-old Damarion DeShawn Tyrell Lewis of Natchitoches, according to Natchitoches Parish Sheriff Stuart Wright.

On June 7, 2026, Natchitoches Parish Sheriff’s Deputies arrested Tyvion L. Hooper, 21, of Natchitoches, on charges of Second Degree Murder, Attempted Second Degree Murder, and Aggravated Criminal Damage to Property. Hooper was served with the charges while being held in the Natchitoches Parish Detention Center on unrelated charges of Domestic Abuse Aggravated Battery by Strangulation and Domestic Abuse with Child Endangerment.

The investigation began on April 1, 2026, at approximately 11:12 p.m., when deputies assigned to the NPSO Patrol Operations Bureau were dispatched by the NATCOM 911 Center to a reported shooting at a residence in the 200 block of Independence Drive, just south of Natchitoches.

Upon arrival, deputies discovered an adult male inside the residence suffering from a life-threatening gunshot wound. Deputies immediately initiated life-saving measures until emergency medical personnel arrived.

Natchitoches Regional Medical Center EMS responded and transported the victim to Natchitoches Regional Medical Center. Due to the severity of his injuries, he was later airlifted to Ochsner LSU Health Medical Center in Shreveport.

Preliminary information indicated the suspect or suspects had fled the scene prior to the arrival of law enforcement.

The area was secured, and deputies utilized specialized lighting equipment to assist in processing the crime scene. Chief Criminal Deputy D. Winder and six NPSO detectives responded and worked throughout the night executing search warrants, interviewing witnesses and neighbors, and collecting evidence.

Detectives recovered multiple shell casings from the roadway near the residence. The residence also sustained damage from numerous gunshots.

At approximately 2:51 a.m. on April 2, 2026, Natchitoches Parish Coroner Steven Clanton was notified by Ochsner LSU Health Medical Center that the victim, identified as Damarion DeShawn Tyrell Lewis, had succumbed to his injuries.

Detectives traveled to Shreveport later that morning to attend the autopsy, which assisted investigators in determining the exact cause and manner of death as part of the ongoing investigation.

Sheriff Wright stated investigators worked tirelessly over the past two months, executing multiple search warrants, reviewing evidence, analyzing investigative leads, and interviewing numerous individuals in an effort to identify and apprehend those responsible for Mr. Lewis’ death.

As a result of the extensive investigation, detectives developed sufficient probable cause to obtain arrest warrants signed by a 10th Judicial District Court Judge charging Hooper with Second Degree Murder, Attempted Second Degree Murder, and Aggravated Criminal Damage to Property.

The investigation remains active and ongoing. Additional arrests are possible.

Anyone with anyone information regarding this investigation, including home surveillance footage or other evidence, is urged to contact the NPSO Criminal Investigations Bureau at 318-357-7830.

Detectives say no further information will be released at this time to protect the integrity of the ongoing investigation.

Involved in the investigation were deputies assigned to the NPSO Patrol Operations Bureau, Criminal Investigations Bureau, High Tech Crime Unit and Natchitoches Parish District Attorney’s Office.

Case Agents:
Detective Sgt. Derrick Sowell
Detective Cpt. Glen Sers

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06/09/2026

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06/08/2026

NPSO: Traffic Stop Results in Arrest of Natchitoches Man Wanted on Multiple Charges Including Attempted Murder, Drug, and S*x Offenses

NATCHITOCHES – A Natchitoches man wanted on multiple charges after failing to appear in court in September 2025 on charges including attempted murder, drug offenses, and s*x offenses was recently arrested by Natchitoches Parish Sheriff's Deputies during a traffic stop near Natchitoches, according to Sheriff Stuart Wright.

On Sunday evening, June 7, 2026, at approximately 8:06 p.m., deputies assigned to the NPSO Patrol Operations Bureau were patrolling in the Oak Grove area when they observed a Honda ATV (all-terrain vehicle) being operated improperly on a public roadway on La. Highway 504 near Sandra Street.

Deputies conducted a traffic stop and identified the operator as 29-year-old Devonte M. Leon of Natchitoches.

While speaking with Leon, deputies requested a records check through the NATCOM 911 Center. The inquiry revealed Leon was wanted by the Tenth Judicial District Court in Natchitoches Parish for Failure to Appear in Court in September 2025 on charges including Attempted Second Degree Murder, Carnal Knowledge of a Juvenile, Indecent Behavior with a Juvenile, Possession of CDS I with Intent to Distribute, Possession of Drug Paraphernalia, and other domestic-related offenses.

Leon was placed under arrest and transported to the Natchitoches Parish Detention Center, where he was booked on the outstanding warrants.

Deputies reported that while being booked into the detention center, Leon stated that he should have fled from the traffic stop when he had the opportunity.

Leon remains in the Natchitoches Parish Detention Center pending further court proceedings.

Deputies A. Middleton and H. Layfield made the arrest.

06/07/2026

NPSO Responds to Single-Crash on La. Hwy 494 near Natchez

Natchez-This evening, at approximately 7:24pm, Deputies N. Kerby and A. Mays responded to a single-vehicle crash on La. Hwy 494 near Natchez according to the Natchitoches Parish Sheriff’s Office.

There were no reported injuries.

Deputies worked the crash.

06/06/2026

10:32am Update: Owner has been located. Thanks for all the tips.

NPSO Deputies Attempting to Find Owner of Horse Found on La. Hwy 120 near Cypress

Cypress-Natchitoches Parish Sheriff’s Deputies are attempting to find the owner of a horse found loose near the railroad tracks on La. Hwy 120 near Cypress according to the Natchitoches Parish Sheriff’s Office.

If you can identify the owner, contact the NPSO at 318-357-7851 or call Cpt. Shane LaCaze.

06/04/2026

La. Hwy 117 north of Provencal

🚧 NATCHITOCHES PARISH 🚧

Upcoming road closure:

📍Where: LA 117 - 1.5 miles north of Provencal in Natchitoches Parish
📅 When: June 11 - June 13, 2026, weather permitting
🚧 Why: Replacement of cross drain pipe located under the roadway to ensure adequate & proper drainage
🚗Detour info at link:
🔗https://wwwapps.dotd.la.gov/administration/announcements/announcement.aspx?key=41751 .tab=0

06/04/2026

Traffic Advisory US-84 Near Clarence

Clarence-At 5:05pm, Natchitoches Parish Sheriff’s Deputies, Louisiana State Police, and Natchitoches Regional Medical Center EMS are on the scene of a single-vehicle crash with non-life threatening injuries in the 6400 block of U.S.-84 near Clarence according to the Natchitoches Parish Sheriff’s Office.

If you are traveling through the area, drive carefully, avoid distractions and pay attention to the roadway.

Deputies R. Thomas and T. Graves are in the scene assisting with traffic for the NPSO.