Ferriday man arrested for battery of officer

Published 12:04 am Thursday, August 2, 2012

FERRIDAY — A Ferriday man was arrested on multiple charges Tuesday, including battery of a police officer, after he ran a red light, struck another vehicle and refused a sobriety test.

Willie H. Pope, 55, 609 second St., was arrested on charges of driving while intoxicated — first offense, resisting an officer (two counts), public intimidation, battery on a police officer, disturbing the peace and bench warrant for failure to appear for arraignment for simple battery.

Police Chief Richard Madison said Pope ran a red light at the intersection of Louisiana Avenue and E.E. Wallace Boulevard Tuesday afternoon and struck a vehicle turning left.

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“After the officer arrived on the scene, he detected a strong odor of alcohol emitting from (Pope’s) breath,” Madison said. “The individual refused a sobriety test and would not follow instructions that the officer had given him.”

Madison said after refusing to comply with multiple instructions, Pope placed his hand on the officer.

“The officer used force and subdued the individual to place him under arrest,” Madison said. “The individual was highly intoxicated and was repeatedly cursing at the officer.”

Pope was transferred to the Concordia Parish correctional facility, and no bond was set as of Wednesday evening.