A man in Louisiana was arrested after authorities say he attempted to hand over a suspicious package to an inmate inside a courthouse before fleeing from deputies on foot. The incident happened at the Avoyelles Parish courthouse and led to a search operation that ended with the suspect being found hiding inside a shed at his home.
Law enforcement officials say the package allegedly contained several illegal narcotics, including heroin, methamphetamine, synthetic cannabis, and Suboxone.
Incident Happened Inside Louisiana Courthouse
According to the Avoyelles Parish Sheriff’s Office, the incident took place around 11 a.m. on May 5 at the 12th Judicial District Courthouse in Avoyelles Parish, Louisiana.
Authorities identified the suspect as Carnelious Dominick.
Investigators say Dominick entered the courthouse and attempted to hand an unidentified package to an inmate who was there for a scheduled court appearance.
Deputies assigned to courthouse security reportedly observed the interaction and immediately moved to stop him.
Officials say deputies attempted to place Dominick into custody at the courthouse, but he allegedly ran from the scene before officers could detain him.
Foot Chase Ended at Suspect’s Home
After Dominick fled the courthouse, deputies launched a foot pursuit through the area.
Authorities later searched nearby locations and eventually found Dominick hiding inside a shed at his residence on Brouillette Street in Marksville.
Law enforcement officials confirmed he was taken into custody without further incident.
The arrest involved assistance from multiple agencies, including the Marksville Police Department and Louisiana State Probation and Parole officers.
Officials said the coordinated response helped establish a perimeter that allowed deputies to locate the suspect quickly.
Multiple Drug Charges Filed
Following his arrest, Dominick was booked into the Avoyelles Parish Detention Center on several charges.
According to authorities, the charges include:
- Resisting an officer
- Possession of Schedule I drugs with intent to distribute synthetic cannabis
- Possession of Schedule I drugs with intent to distribute heroin
- Possession of Schedule II drugs with intent to distribute methamphetamine
- Possession of Schedule III drugs with intent to distribute Suboxone
Several of the drug-related charges are classified as felonies.
Investigators have not yet released further details regarding the inmate who allegedly received the package or whether additional arrests may follow.
Sheriff’s Office Emphasizes Courthouse Safety
The Avoyelles Parish Sheriff’s Office stated that it remains committed to protecting judicial facilities and preventing illegal narcotics from entering the community.
Officials praised the quick actions of courthouse deputies and assisting agencies involved in the arrest.
Authorities also encouraged residents to report suspicious activity or information related to crimes in the parish.
The incident has drawn attention because it happened inside a courthouse, an area expected to have heightened security and law enforcement presence.
The arrest of Carnelious Dominick highlights ongoing concerns surrounding drug trafficking and attempts to introduce illegal narcotics into secure government facilities. Authorities say the quick response from courthouse deputies helped prevent the suspected drugs from reaching an inmate and ensured the situation did not escalate further.
As the investigation continues, law enforcement officials are expected to examine whether others may have been involved in the attempted delivery inside the courthouse.
