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An Angie man was arrested this week for stealing a bike, but deputies may have been able to prevent additional crimes as the suspect also had several stolen debit cards, according to Chief Deputy Mike Haley of the Washington Parish Sheriff’s Office.

Haley said that WPSO Patrol Sergeant David Cupp and Patrol Deputy Dalton Manning quickly solved the bicycle theft Monday. Soon after receiving the complaint, the officers encountered Austin Hill, 25, a resident of Allie Lane in Angie, as Hill rode the stolen bicycle along Louisiana Highway 436.

What should have been a routine theft arrest evolved into more serious charges when Hill fled the scene on foot into a nearby field after stolen debit cards were found in his possession, Haley said.

“The officers were able to run him down and take him into custody after a brief struggle,” Haley said. “Even though Hill threatened to have the deputies fired for arresting him, he still went to jail.”

Hill was transported to the Washington Parish Jail, where he remains on charges of possession of stolen property, public intimidation and resisting an officer by flight and force. No bond has been set for Hill due to an outstanding fugitive warrant from the 21st Judicial District Court.

“Although this may seem to be a minor crime, there were victims and likely would have been more victims if Hill been able to use the debit cards,” Washington Parish Sheriff Randy Seal said. “Thanks to the quick action of our officers, all stolen property was returned to its owners. Whether the crime is major or minor, we will respond and do all we can to solve the crime and put the criminal in jail.”