Shane Eric Anthony, 23, a resident of Cooper Road in Loranger, was headed home after partying in Bogalusa when he was diverted by an alert deputy to the Washington Parish Jail, according to Chief Deputy Mike Haley of the Washington Parish Sheriff’s Office.

Very early in the morning of Sunday, April 1, WPSO Patrol Deputy Justin Blackwell was patrolling on Louisiana Highway 10 in the central part of the parish when he observed a vehicle traveling westbound at a high rate of speed, Haley said. Blackwell reportedly used his radar to measure the vehicle speed at 80 mph in the 55-mph zone.

Haley said that the vehicle was stopped and the driver, Anthony, was found to be in possession of methamphetamine, drug paraphernalia and counterfeit money. He was arrested and transported to the Washington Parish Jail, charged with possession with intent to distribute Schedule II drugs, three counts of possession of drug paraphernalia, nine counts of possession of counterfeit money, driving under suspension and speeding.

As of Tuesday afternoon, Anthony remained in jail with his bond set at $25,000.

Anthony’s methamphetamine was in a clear plastic bag concealed beneath the driver’s seat of his vehicle, Haley said. His paraphernalia reportedly consisted of a digital scale, a metal measuring spoon and glass pipes with black residue which are commonly used for smoking methamphetamine.

Haley said that Anthony admitted that the drugs and paraphernalia were his.

“This is just another example of an alert deputy getting a drug dealer and dangerous driver off of our highway,” Washington Parish Sheriff Randy Seal said. “While the vast majority of parish residents were home sleeping during the wee hours of the morning, Deputy Blackwell was working to keep us safe.

“Let’s never forget how blessed we are to have the fine men and women of law enforcement working at all hours to protect us.”