Jeremiah Jawayne Wiltz, 38 years of age, Address: Eleventh St. Morgan City, La arrested on 1/10/2025 @ 11:25 a.m.
Charges: Hit and Run
Possession of Stolen Things
Over $25,000
Aggravated Flight from Officer
Possession of a Firearm by Convicted
Felon
Aggravated Obstruction of Highway Commerce
Reckless Operation of a Motor Vehicle
On Friday, January 10, 2025, officers with the Morgan City Police Department responded to a complaint of a stolen vehicle parked at a local apartment complex. Upon arrival, the officer observed a silver-colored van matching the description. The officer parked behind the vehicle at which time the vehicle quickly backed up ramming officer’s unit, in attempts to escape. The vehicle gained access to Hwy 182 headed toward Hwy 90 while in pursuit by officers of the Morgan City Police Department.
The vehicle traveled west on Hwy 90 at which time officers with the Berwick Police along with the St. Mary Parish Sheriff’s Department joined in the pursuit. Officers lost visual on the suspect near the Bayou Vista area.
The vehicle was observed travelling East on Hwy 182 in Berwick and pursuit of the vehicle was reengaged. The vehicle was observed traveling at a high rate of speed dangerously passing vehicles traveling on the roadway. The pursuit continued through the Town of Berwick where the suspect exited the vehicle and fled on foot in the Fourth Street area.
A perimeter of the area was initiated at which time the subject was located in the area of Sixth St. and Guzzetta Lane when the suspect brandished a firearm and holding himself hostage. Negotiations were initiated with negotiators with the St. Mary Parish ISRT. The subject eventually surrendered and was taken into custody without incident.
Chief Chad M. Adams and the Morgan City Police Department would like to thank the St. Mary Parish Sheriffs Sheriff’s Office along with the Berwick Police Department for their assistance. A collaborative effort between agencies brought this incident to a peaceful solution.