Full Notification

On May 24, 2023, at 9:12 a.m. Deputy Michael Owens conducted a traffic stop on a Grey 2023 Kia K5 for speeding on Interstate 69 near the 32.5 mile marker.  Upon stopping the vehicle on Interstate 69 near State Road 64, Deputy Owen identified the driver as 21 year old Wyatt Stephens of Paririeville, Louisiana.  During the roadside investigation the vehicle was run through the National Crime Information Center and it was discovered that the vehicle was reported stolen out of Louisiana. At that point Deputy Owens, with the assistance of Oakland City Officer John Pace questioned Mr. Stephens about the stolen vehicle.  While speaking with the driver Deputy Owens detected the odor of alcohol coming from the driver and continued his investigation to determine if Mr. Stephens was operating the vehicle while under the influence.  At the conclusion of his investigation Deputy Owens placed Mr. Stephens into custody and transported him to the Gibson County Jail.  Upon arriving at the Jail Mr. Stephens was charged with Operating a Motor Vehicle.  Louisiana is in the process of submitting an arrest warrant for Auto Theft for Mr. Stephens.  He remains in custody in the Gibson County Jail at this time.
 
All Criminal defendants are to be presumed innocent until, and unless proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.