At approximately 11:23 p.m. on May 4, 2018 Red River Communications was informed of a high speed pursuit in excess of 100 mph heading north on US Hwy 71 near the Natchitoches and Red River Parish line. A Louisiana State Trooper (Troop E) was in pursuit of a driver who fled an attempted traffic stop in the Fairview community. Multiple Red River Parish Sheriff’s Office (RRPSO) units were immediately dispatched to assist the trooper.
While the first RRPSO deputy joined the pursuit near the intersection of US Hwy 71 and LA Hwy 784 south of Coushatta, a second deputy took position on US Hwy 71 near the Country Market convenience store. As the vehicle approached his position, the deputy successfully deployed his department issued tire deflation device making contact with the passenger side tires.
The partially immobilized vehicle continued traveling north on US Hwy 71, turned onto Cutoff Road then struck a metal traffic pole as the driver attempted to turn left onto Ringgold Avenue near Burger King. The driver, later identified as Jermen Rosenthal, regained control of the vehicle and headed west on Ringgold Avenue at a high rate of speed.
After failing to stop at the four-way intersection near the foot of the Red River Bridge, Rosenthal once again lost control of the truck, left the roadway and struck multiple display headstones on the property of Rocket Nettles Funeral Home. The suspect exited the vehicle and fled on foot, prompting a search of the area by RRPSO deputies and Coushatta police officers. The RRPSO’s apprehension K-9, along with the department’s drone outfitted with infrared technology, were both utilized during the search.
At approximately 2:00 a.m., the K-9 team located Rosenthal hiding in a wooded area along Ruby Street near the funeral home. When he failed to obey verbal commands and warnings from deputies, the K-9 was deployed and successfully apprehended the subject. Rosenthal was placed under arrest without further incident. It was determined that the vehicle was reported stolen out of Alexandria.
Red River EMS responded to the scene and transported Rosenthal to Christus Coushatta hospital for treatment of injuries (dog bite) sustained during his apprehension.
After receiving medical treatment, on May 5, 2018 Jermen J. Rosenthal, B/M, age 27 of the 700 block of Sycamore St., Pineville, LA was transported to the Red River Parish Jail (RRPJ) for booking. He was charged with one count each of the following: Reckless Operation of a Vehicle, Simple Criminal Damage to Property over $500 but less than $50,000, Resisting an Officer, Aggravated Flight from an Officer and Illegal Possession of Stolen Things (stolen vehicle). Bond was set at $27,000 and he remains incarcerated in the RRPJ.
On May 7, 2018, it was confirmed that questionable items (cigarettes, lighters, liquor, etc.) located inside the stolen vehicle were taken in a business burglary at a convenience store in Montgomery located in Grant Parish. An additional warrant will be obtained by Red River Parish detectives for an additional count of Illegal possession of stolen things (felony) related to the stolen merchandise.
Additional charges are pending by the Louisiana State Police, Alexandria Police Department and the Grant Parish Sheriff’s Office.
