A 39-year-old Church Point man was arrested after the Acadia Parish Narcotics Unit and SWAT members executed a search warrant in the 200 bock of Everest Road in the community of Mire.
According to a news release from Sheriff KP. Gibson, SWAT team members breached the residence and secured it for narcotics agents about 7 a.m. Thursday.
During the search, multiple weapons, marijuana, crystal meth and drug paraphernalia were recovered, Gibson said.
“Our narcotics unit has worked this location for some time. They have identified the drug issues and obtained enough evidence to obtain a search warrant.” stated Sheriff KP Gibson.
“With the packaging of the drugs and the various pieces of drug paraphernalia, it is obvious that the drugs were being packaged and sold by the suspect. Our agents recovered over 30 individual packets of crystal meth along with scales and other items associated with the use and selling of this drug. This was a real good hit for our narcotics unit” Gibson said.
Jason Richard was booked into the Acadia Parish Jail for possession with intent to distribute crystal meth, possession of marijuana, and possession of a legend drug without a prescription, possession of a firearm in the presence of a controlled dangerous substance, possession of drug paraphernalia and outstanding warrants, Gibson said.
A second person located within the residence was arrested for outstanding warrants for Lafayette Parish. This person has been identified as Jessica Hope James, 35 of Lafayette.
“I would like to make sure that our citizens know we are committed to fighting the illegal drug industry within our parish. Our SWAT team trains hard to assure the safest execution of warrants while working with our agents. The efforts of all our deputies are greatly appreciated” stated Sheriff Gibson.
Additional charges are pending on both subjects as this investigation remains open, he said.
Additional information regarding the search warrant on 242 Everest Road:
During the execution of the search warrant on 242 Everest Road in the community of Mire, a SWAT member was attacked by a Pit Bull belonging to the suspect. During the encounter, the Pit Bull was shot by members of the SWAT team. As a result of the shooting, fragments of the bullet pierce his upper thigh area of the suspect. He was treated at a local hospital and released to the custody of deputies. The Pit Bull died as a result of this incident.
While at the scene, Louisiana State Police was contacted regarding the shooting. After determining that the suspect did not have severe or life threatening injuries, the investigation was assigned to APSO Investigations.
The District Attorney’s Office was notified of the incident and advised that a separate investigation was being initiated. The completed report will be forwarded to the District Attorney’s Office.
Deputies involved has been placed on restrictive duty pending a fit for duty assessment.