VIDALIA, La. (KNOE) – A traffic stop in Concordia Parish turned into a multi-agency investigation on Thursday, November 7.

According to the Vidalia Police Department (VPD), at approximately 3:32 p.m., Police Lt. Clarence Hall Sr. stopped a vehicle on Martin L. King Avenue when he noticed its license plate was expired.

VPD said as the driver pulled over, the front passenger got out of the vehicle and ran into the woods.

Officer Dartavious Bethley and Lt. Del’Marcus Johnson searched the area for the fleeing suspect, but were unable to find him.

The driver, Jon Dale Adams Jr. of Natchez, and the rear passenger, Victor Curry of Vidalia, were both stopped and subsequently arrested after officers recovered approximately 2.9 grams of methamphetamine and two suboxone strips from the vehicle.

Adams received traffic citations for having an expired license plate, expired motor vehicle inspection sticker, no insurance and driving under suspension. He was also charged with possession of Schedule II and possession of Schedule IV.

Curry was arrested for possession of Schedule II and possession of Schedule IV.

The vehicle was towed because it was not insured.

As officers were completing the traffic stop, they received a report of a man in boxers walking along Logan Sewell Road.

When officers arrived on scene, the man evaded police by running through the City of Vidalia sewer treatment area toward Westside Drive.

At approximately 7:06 p.m., the Concordia Parish Sheriff’s Office received a call regarding a stolen pickup truck from a residence on Westside Drive.

VPD said the truck was tracked to Natchez and located by the Natchez Police Department along Maplewood Drive.

With the assistance of Natchez Police and Adams County Sheriff’s Deputies, the stolen vehicle was returned to its owner in good condition.

So far, the suspect has not been found.

Vidalia Police Department Chief Investigator Sam King said this is an ongoing investigation.

“We strongly suspect that the criminal fleeing our traffic stop is responsible for stealing the vehicle,” King said. “We are working closely with all agencies to identify this subject and issue the necessary warrants for his arrest.”

Anyone with information can contact the Vidalia Police Department at (318) 336-5254 or the Concordia Parish Sheriff’s Office at (318) 336-5231.

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