DPS Police arrest two felony fugitives in separate traffic stops
Department of Public Safety Police Officers assigned to patrol downtown Baton Rouge arrested two fugitives last week during two separate traffic stops. The traffic stops were unrelated and further investigations after each stop led to the arrest of the fugitives.
On Wed,, July 18, a DPS Officer conducted a traffic stop on a Honda Accord shortly after 10 a.m. During the traffic stop, the officer identified the driver as Tommy R. Walker (O/M, age 26) of Baton Rouge. Walker did not have any identification on him, so the officer began to investigate to ensure proper identification. Upon further investigation, the officer learned that there was an active warrant for Walker's arrest from East Baton Rouge Parish. Walker was booked into the East Baton Rouge Parish Prison on the fugitive warrant, charging him with attempted second degree robbery, illegal use of a weapon, and aggravated second degree battery.
On Fri., July 20, a DPS Officer conducted a traffic stop on a Buick Century traveling the wrong way on Convention Street shortly after 1 p.m. During the traffic stop, the officer learned that the registered owner and driver of the vehicle, Brandon T. Nicholas (B/M, age 21) of Baton Rouge, was driving under suspension. After further investigation, the officer learned that there was an active warrant for Nicholas' arrest through the East Baton Rouge Parish Sheriff's Office. The officer placed Nicholas under arrest and booked him into the East Baton Rouge Parish Prison on the warrant for failure to appear on criminal charges of attempted second degree murder, criminal damage to property, and illegal use of a weapon. Nicholas was also charged with driving under suspension and no insurance.
DPS Police was established in 1974. At that time, DPS Police was charged with providing security at the Louisiana State Police Headquarters Compound and supervising inmates assigned to the State Police Inmate Barracks. In 1996, the Louisiana State Police increased the scope of DPS Police responsibility to include providing security in and around the State Capitol. In 2001, the "old" Capitol Police was transferred from the Division of Administration and placed under the State Police. This unit, known as DPS/Capitol Police, is responsible for security in and around all state facilities located outside of the Capitol Complex. This includes facilities located in New Orleans, Lafayette, Alexandria, Shreveport, and Monroe.