A Louisiana Man Allegedly Fled From Deputies, Jumped Into a Pond, Swam Across a Bayou Twice, and Climbed a Tree Before Ultimately Being Taken Into Custody Following Two Pursuits in St. Martin Parish on June 1.
According to the St. Martin Parish Sheriff’s Office, deputies tried to initiate a traffic stop shortly after 9:30 am on Monday in the 2000 block of Cecilia Senior High School Highway near Breaux Bridge. It was reported that the driver refused to stop and fled, leading deputies on a pursuit through the parish.
The driver was later identified as 38-year-old Brock Robin of Breaux Bridge, who deputies said was wanted on a completely different active arrest warrant tied to multiple narcotics charges. During the pursuit, Robin crashed his vehicle at the roundabout in Henderson before continuing onto Interstate 10.
Authorities said Robin eventually pulled over and jumped into a nearby pond, allowing him to temporarily evade deputies. It wasn’t until hours later that law enforcement received reports of Robin running along Anse Broussard Highway, prompting another response.
Officers Sent on a Wild Goose Chase That Ends in the Bayou
When deputies attempted to intercept Robin at the intersection of Anse Broussard Highway and Kathleen Drive, he jumped into Bayou Teche and swam across to avoid capture. Deputies established a perimeter and conducted an extensive search of the area as they tried to track his movements.
Around 5:30 pm, deputies conducting surveillance at a residence in the 1000 block of Sosthene Guilbeau Road observed a vehicle leaving the property. When authorities tried a traffic stop near Grand Anse and Grand Point highways, the driver allegedly fled with Robin riding as a passenger.
Police later identified the driver as 35-year-old Corie Begnaud of St. Martinville, who authorities say led deputies on another pursuit through St. Martin Parish. During the chase, Robin allegedly exited the vehicle in the 4000 block of Poydras Highway and swam across the bayou for a second time.
Suspects Taken Into Custody Without Further Incident
With assistance from the Breaux Bridge Police Department, deputies eventually located Robin in the 100 block of Sidonia Drive. Authorities said he had climbed a tree before being taken into custody without further incident.
Robin was arrested on multiple narcotics-related charges, including possession with intent to distribute Schedule I, II, and IV narcotics, possession of drug paraphernalia, and possession of a legend drug without a prescription. Begnaud was charged with aggravated flight from an officer, switched license plates, and tail lamp violations.
Under Louisiana law, aggravated flight from an officer can carry penalties of up to five years in prison and fines. Drug distribution-related charges can carry significantly harsher sentences depending on exactly what narcotics are involved, prior convictions, and how much was in possession.
Reactions To Bayou-Jumping Suspect
Replies under the original St. Martin’s Parish Sheriff’s Office post feature commenters sharing their opinions on the events, with many poking fun at the suspects. The top comment reads, “The only time I see my father is when a new mugshot comes out.”
Other comments were focused on the fact that Robin jumped into the bayou at all, with one person writing, “Lmao. He was practicing for the upcoming Olympics.” Similarly, another commenter wrote, “Dude swam across the bayou twice; he will have pink eye for 7 months.”
Authorities have not released additional details about the underlying narcotics investigation tied to Robin’s arrest warrant. As with all criminal cases, both suspects are presumed innocent unless proven guilty in court.