Wanted fugitive flees Avoyelles Parish deputy in late morning chase

HESSMER, La. (WNTZ) - A routine patrol in Avoyelles Parish led to the arrest of a wanted fugitive early Thursday morning after a deputy pursued a suspect fleeing on a motorized bicycle and then on foot, according to Sheriff David L. Dauzat.

The incident occurred around 3:41 a.m. when an Avoyelles Parish Sheriff’s Office deputy observed a masked individual riding a bicycle on the sidewalk along Highway 115 near the APM gas station in Hessmer. When the deputy attempted a traffic stop, the cyclist initially stopped before fleeing the scene, prompting a pursuit.

The chase continued westbound onto Highway 114, with the suspect engaging a motor on the bicycle and reaching speeds of 36 mph, authorities said. Near the intersection of Highway 114 and T-Williams Road, the suspect abandoned the bicycle and fled on foot. After a brief foot pursuit and struggle, the deputy apprehended the individual, identified as Nicholas D. Lavalais, 36, of Hessmer.

Lavalais, who resisted arrest, was confirmed to be a wanted fugitive. Court records show that he pled guilty on Sept. 8, 2025, to possession of a firearm by a convicted felon and possession of Schedule I controlled dangerous substance (heroin) in the 12th Judicial District Court. He was ordered to report to begin serving his sentence on Sept. 15 but failed to do so, leading to a warrant for his arrest.

In addition to the fugitive warrant, Lavalais was also wanted by the Marksville Police Department as a suspect in several recent crimes, including felony theft of a motor vehicle, simple burglary, criminal damage to property, and criminal mischief, according to the sheriff’s office.

A background check revealed that Lavalais has a 22-page criminal history and is classified as both a felon and a violent offender, officials said.

Lavalais was booked into the Avoyelles Parish Detention Center (DC-1) on multiple charges, including the fugitive warrant, flight from an officer, resisting an officer, possession of synthetic cannabinoids, and other related offenses. He will remain in custody to serve his sentence and face additional court proceedings for the new charges.

Note: Suspects named are considered innocent until proven in a court of law.