High speed chase lands local man in jail

Subject wanted by two law enforcement agencies

Deron Downing, 22, Destrehan

A high speed police chase on the evening of April 24, resulted in the arrest of Destrehan resident, Daron Downing, 22. As a result, he was charged with numerous crimes by the St. Charles Seriff’s Office.

The charges against Downing included possession with intent to distribute crack cocaine, resisting arrest by flight from an officer, hit and run, reckless driving, aggravated flight from an officer, criminal trespassing, resisting arrest by violence, switched license plate and driving under suspension.

According to reports, a St. Charles Parish deputy, who was working an off duty security detail, noticed a blue Chevy passing an 18 wheeler in a no passing zone. The officer put on his lights and requested that Downing pull over to a local parking lot for what the officer thought would be a routine traffic stop.

Downing intially pulled over in the parking lot, but, upon the officer approaching the vehicle, Downing sped off from the scene, leading officers on a short but fast pursuit east on LA 18.

Downing passed several vehicles in a no passing zone before crashing into a tree on private property. After hitting the tree, the subject fled the vehicle leading officers on a foot chase.

"Deputies caught up with Downing, at which time he put up quite a fight but was quickly apprehended by deputies," said Sgt. Dwayne LeGrange of the St. Charles Parish Sheriff's Office.

Upon capturing Downing, further investigation revealed Downing to be in possession with the intent to distribute crack cocaine.

Officers also found that Downing had an attachment out for his arrest by the St. Charles Sheriff's Office and was a fugitive from the Kenner Police Department. Attachments for Downing's arrest from both law enforcement agencies involved unpaid traffic citations.

"The officers involved did an excellent job in apprehending the subject. We are just glad that no one was injured in the chase or during the arrest," concluded Sgt. LeGrange.