On the morning of Feb. 18, Washington Parish Sheriff’s Office patrol deputy Tyler Lindsey was patrolling on Highway 21 north of Bogalusa when he observed a vehicle with no license plate traveling south. He began pursuit and stopped the vehicle at the intersection of Paige Road.
When Deputy Lindsey approached the vehicle, which was occupied by two males, he asked the driver to provide his driver’s license, vehicle registration and proof of insurance. The driver complied by producing his driver’s license and a bill of sale for the recently purchased vehicle.
Deputy Lindsey questioned the occupants of the vehicle and asked if a weapon was present.  Both occupants stated there were no weapons. At the request of Deputy Lindsey, the passenger then produced his driver’s license, which identified him as Chantellus Parkman, 34, a resident of Stubbs Road in Bassfield, Miss.
While speaking with both occupants, Deputy Lindsey observed that Parkman seemed extremely nervous and was shifting positions in the vehicle. Parkman was asked to exit the vehicle and submit to a search for weapons. Parkman refused, stating, “I’m not getting out of the car.  I gave you my ID and I don’t have to get out of the car.” At this point, Deputy Lindsey advised Parkman that if he did not exit the vehicle, he would be removed.  Parkman then  exited the vehicle.  When asked if he had a weapon, Parkman stated, “My gun is on my side.”
With the assistance of Deputy Roy Scroggs who had arrived on the scene, Parkman was detained and a fully loaded semi-automatic pistol was removed from inside of his waistband. Parkman did not have a concealed weapon permit, but he did have marijuana and Ecstasy in his pocket.  Parkman was arrested and transported to the Washington Parish Jail for booking. The driver was issued a citation for not having a license plate and was released from the traffic stop.
Parkman’s bond was set at $3,500 for the charges of carrying a concealed weapon, possession of marijuana, possession of Ecstasy and possession of controlled dangerous substances with a weapon present. He met the conditions of his bond and was released on Feb. 19.
Sheriff Randy Seal commented. “Congratulations to Deputy Lindsey for being proactive in this matter and removing a weapon and illegal drugs from our highway. Thanks also to Deputy Scroggs for his valuable assistance. It is always a risk when one of our officers approaches a vehicle, not knowing whether or not a weapon is present. In this case, due to the diligence of these fine officers, the fully loaded weapon was neutralized and the owner was transported to jail.”