Caddo Parish, LA: Manhunt suspended for suspect in truck theft

CADDO PARISH, LA (KSLA) –

Darkness has caused Caddo Parish Sheriff’s Deputies to suspend their manhunt of a fugitive they say stole a truck last week and fled from a Caddo deputy Monday afternoon, leaving behind a female companion who was caught and arrested.

Authorities say Jason East, 29, of Stonewall, is believed to be armed and dangerous. Anyone with information about East’s whereabouts should call the sheriff’s office at 675-2170.

At last check, he was believed to be headed across Wallace Lake toward DeSoto Parish. DeSoto Parish Sheriff Rodney Arbuckle confirms a K9 unit and their new helicopter have joined in the search.

Deputies got a tip saying the suspect had been spotted on Norris Ferry Road near the boat launch. Deputies believe he stole a boat and headed toward the DeSoto Parish side of the lake.

East is wanted on a warrant out of Natchitoches for auto theft, and now flight from an officer and resisting arrest out of Caddo Parish.

They did arrest a female who was with the suspect in the truck at the time. Tracy Thornton, 29, has been booked into the Caddo Correctional Center on a charge of illegal possession of stolen things.

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