Following a manhunt earlier today (Wednesday), authorities in Acadia Parish arrested 27 year old Dustin Simon of Valton Castille Lane, Church Point.

According to Acadia Parish Sheriff Wayne Melancon on Tuesday evening around 10:00 p.m. his office received a report that a Polaris Ranger and other items had been taken from a residence located in the 12000 block of the Branch Hwy near Church Point. A short time later, deputies received another call from a witness that reported seeing the suspect flee on foot after crashing the stolen Polaris on Beatrice Road near Branch.

Simon was taken into custody around 8:38 a.m. and was transported to the Acadia Parish Jail where he is being charged with simple burglary, felony theft; aggravated flight from an officer; possession of klonopin; possession of valium and possession of subutex. No bond has been set.

Sheriff Wayne thanked area farmers for assisting deputies and providing 4 wheelers.