Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries enforcement agents arrested two subjects for alleged driving or operating a vessel or vehicle while impaired (DWI) in St. Martin and St. Mary parishes on March 13 and March 14.
Agents arrested Koby Theriot, 18, of Pierre Part, on March 13 in St. Martin Parish for DWI on the water, improper running lights and possession of alcohol by someone under 21. Agents also cited Brye Burnett, 18, from Pierre Part, for possession of alcohol by persons under 21.
Agents arrested Alan Pearson, 78, of Patterson, on March 14 in St. Mary Parish for DWI on the road, possession of marijuana and possession of drug paraphernalia.
Agents were on patrol in the Atchafalaya Basin when they observed a vessel under way after official sunset without the required navigational lights. Agents stopped the vessel and identified Theriot as the operator and observed Theriot and Burnett actively consuming alcohol. Agents determined that Theriot was impaired and booked him into the St. Martin Parish Jail.
On March 14, agents were on patrol on Zenor Road when they made contact with Pearson who was behind the wheel of a truck. Agents determined that Pearson was impaired and found him in possession of marijuana and drug paraphernalia. Agents arrested and booked him into the St. Mary Parish Jail.
In Louisiana, a DWI can be issued to anyone operating a moving vessel or vehicle while impaired. First offense DWI carries a $300 to $1,000 fine and up to six months in jail. Possession of under 14 grams of marijuana carries up to a $100 fine. Possession of drug paraphernalia carries up to a $300 fine and 15 days in jail. Possession of alcohol by persons under 21 brings up to a $100 fine and six months in jail. Improper running lights carries up to a $50 fine.
Agents participating in both cases are Sgt. Jeremy Foret and Agent Trevor Benoit.