Burglary alarm leads to drug arrest

Published 12:27 am Thursday, March 16, 2017

VIDALIA — A burglar alarm at a residence on Stephens Road Tuesday led to a drug bust in which methamphetamine, marijuana, Xanax and home-cooked methamphetamine were seized.

Justin McCarty, 35, 212 Stephens Road, Vidalia, was charged by the Concordia Parish Sheriff’s Office for possession of schedule I drugs, possession of schedule II drugs, possession of schedule IV drugs, possession of drug paraphernalia and flight from an officer.

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Concordia Parish Chief Deputy David Hedrick said Wednesday the burglary charges are pending completion of the investigation.

Deputies responded to a burglary alarm at approximately 9 a.m. Tuesday in the 400 block of Stephens Road. Upon arrival, a deputy observed a subject fleeing from the residence, Hedrick said. The deputy gave chase, but the perpetrator evaded arrest temporarily, Hedrick said.

Hedrick said the deputy had been able to identify the subject by sight to reportedly be McCarty, who lived in the area.

Within approximately 30 minutes, deputies were at McCarty’s residence and arrested him.

“This very thing is the reason that the sheriff’s office has taken the stand we have taken against drugs in Concordia Parish,” Hedrick said. “Because drugs relate back to most other crimes, we have got to remain vigilant on it.

“I think my deputies did a fine job in quickly apprehending the (subject), and I am very proud of them. By God’s grace, no one was injured and all ended up well.”

McCarty was in jail Wednesday afternoon on a $23,750 bond.