NewsLocal NewsIn Your Parish

Actions

Man arrested following police pursuit in Abbeville

Posted at 6:49 PM, Apr 12, 2019
and last updated 2019-04-12 19:49:29-04

A man is in custody following a high-speed chase that ended in a crash in Abbeville on Wednesday.

Justin Rosette
Justin Rosette

According to Abbeville Lieutenant Jonathan Touchet, an officer tried to pull over a vehicle on N. Bailey Street when the driver, identified as 39-year-old Justin Rosette, turned on Charity Street and sped up.

The officer then turned on his siren, and Rosette allegedly sped up more.

The driver attempted to evade officers while running stop signs and traveling at speeds up to 70 mph in residential neighborhoods, Touchet said. Rosette’s vehicle caused vehicles to exit the road to avoid being hit.

After a lengthy pursuit, the suspect allegedly attempted to get onto Hwy. 14 (Veterans Memorial Drive) from Alphonse Street. But, when he allegedly ran a stop sign, Rosette’s vehicle was hit by a truck traveling west on the highway.

Following the crash, police searched Rosette’s vehicle and recovered ecstasy pills, the police spokesperson said.

Rosette was arrested and taken to the hospital before being booked into jail.

Along with several traffic citations, Rosette faces two charges: aggravated flight from an officer and drug possession.

The occupants of the truck involved in the crash received minor injuries but did not wish to be taken to the hospital for treatment.