Bayou Blue students return to new dig
December 29, 2006Jan. 27
January 3, 2007
A Galliano man caught deputies’ attention early New Year’s Day when they spotted sparks flying from his front left tire well of the pickup truck he was driving, a Lafourche Parish Sheriff’s Office spokesman said.
Public Information Officer Larry Weidel said the car was moving erratically, and that the driver ignored the overhead emergency lights flashing from a chasing patrol unit. At the end of West 73rd Street in Cut Off, the car came to a stop and the driver jumped to the passenger side of the vehicle and then to the backseat, Weidel said. When deputies ordered him to exit the vehicle, he refused. The officer pulled Christopher Vizier, 26, of 154 East 134th St., to the ground and handcuffed him. A passenger asleep in the back seat of the vehicle was also removed and cuffed to ensure the officer’s safety, Weidel said.
In the cup holder, still cold, deputies found an open beer can, Weidel said.
When deputies checked the ownership papers of the truck, Vizier wasn’t listed. Weidel said deputies contacted the owner who said the truck had been stolen.
Upon further questioning, Weidel said deputies learned Vizier had struck a mulch pile and hit something at a gas station in the Larose area, which had apparently damaged the left tire.
At the South Lafourche Sub-station, Vizier was booked on DWI (second offense); flight from an officer; resisting an officer; open container; reckless operation (second offense); hit and run; and auto theft. He also had outstanding warrants for contempt of court.
State District Judge John LeBlanc set Vizier’s bond at $15,000. He remains at the Lafourche Detention Center in Thibodaux in lieu of bond.
If convicted on the charges, Weidel said LeBlanc could face up to 10 years in jail and a $3,000 fine for auto theft; six month in jail and a $750 fine for DWI; $500 fine and a 6-month jail sentence for hit and run; and six months in jail and $1,600 on the other charges.
Vizier’s previous arrests include aggravated battery, reckless operation of a vehicle, harassing phone calls, possession of illegal drugs, disturbing the peace by fighting, aggravated burglary, domestic abuse battery and criminal mischief and criminal trespass, Weidel said.
