Two charged in attack on law enforcement officer

Published 12:38 am Friday, October 9, 2015

VIDALIA — Two Concordia Parish residents were booked Wednesday in connection with an attempt to run over a law enforcement officer in late September.

Johnny P. Thorpe, 46, 222 Country Meadows, Vidalia, turned himself Tuesday in on charges of aggravated assault with a motor vehicle upon a peace officer, aggravated flight, stop violation, improper lane use, three counts of no turn signal and no license plate in connection with the incident.

Melissa Blackwell, 41, 222 Country Meadows, Vidalia, was booked on a charge of aggravated flight from an officer after surrendering Tuesday.

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Concordia Parish Sheriff’s Office Spokesman Vernon Stevens said the two were allegedly in a vehicle that attempted to strike CPSO Deputy Dusty Lemoine after he initiated a traffic stop Sept. 24.

The suspects then led law enforcement officers on a chase before ultimately abandoning the vehicle and fleeing on foot.

Thorpe and Blackwell turned themselves in after finding out they had warrants issued for their arrest in connection with the incident, Stevens said.

The two suspects were also charged with the creation or operation of a clandestine lab in relation to another investigation, he said.

Both suspects were detained without bond Thursday afternoon.