Car Chase, Crash Leads Troopers To Stolen Firearms

Two men are behind bars at the Lafayette Parish Correctional Center after leading troopers on a chase through Lafayette and Vermilion Parishes finally crashing in Abbeville.

According to KATC, Master Trooper Brooks David said Louisiana State Police arrested suspects 23-year-old Paul Rice and 26-year-old Jamirah Petrey and seized one AK-47, two AR-15s, two pistols, six magazines and one mask.

David reported that troopers attempted to stop Rice for a moving violation on La. 167 in Lafayette Parish at 1:10 a.m. on Saturday but Rice led the officers on a chase into Abbeville where he crashed into another vehicle near La.14.

Rice was booked on two counts of illegal possession of a stolen firearm and one count each of speeding, flight from an officer, running a red light, reckless operation, operating a vehicle while intoxicated, operating a vehicle with a suspended license and bench warrant in Lafayette Parish. Bond was set for Rice at $39,250

Petrey was booked on five counts possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, two counts illegal possession of a stolen firearm and possession of stolen things. His bond was set at $37,500.