Shreveport Police officers initiated a traffic stop in the 6900 block of Bert Kouns Industrial Loop on March 28 just after 9:30pm after observing a gray Chevrolet Corvette that closely matched the description of a recently stolen vehicle.
The driver, later identified as DeQuinton Pye, initially complied with the stop. Officers presented a photo of the stolen Corvette, to which Pye remarked, “That looks just like this one.” When officers advised that they needed to verify the vehicle identification number (VIN), Pye and his passenger, Dementa Bell, became evasive. Bell became belligerent and demanded a supervisor, which officers accommodated by allowing them to speak to one via telephone. During the conversation, the suspects insisted on being reimbursed for their time and expressed frustration about missing a dinner reservation.
While officers maintained control of the situation, they were able to confirm that the VIN matched the stolen Corvette. As soon as Pye realized officers had identified the vehicle as stolen, he abruptly accelerated, initiating a vehicle pursuit. The chase ended when the suspects crashed into a power line pole on Merriweather Road, causing a transformer explosion and downing power lines.
Bell attempted to flee toward the airport but was quickly taken into custody. Pye was also apprehended and was found to have suffered a severe laceration to his leg. Officers applied a tourniquet to prevent life-threatening blood loss. Upon further investigation, Pye was found to be in possession of a firearm, which he was prohibited from carrying due to an active protective order against him.
Pye was charged with:
- Aggravated flight from an officer
- Illegal possession of a stolen vehicle
- Violation of a protective order
- Switched license plates
- Traffic violations
Bell was charged with:
- Resisting an officer
- Interfering with a law enforcement investigation
Both suspects were booked into the Shreveport City Jail.