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A Washington Parish woman was arrested earlier this week, and charged with drug and traffic offenses, according to Chief Deputy Mike Haley of the Washington Parish Sheriff’s Office.

While on criminal patrol on Monday, WPSO detectives Chad Cassard and Raymond Myers observed a vehicle being driven in a careless manner and at an excessive speed through a residential neighborhood in Bogalusa, Haley said. After a short pursuit, they were able to stop the vehicle on Shriners Drive, at which time patrol deputy Kyle Stogner arrived to assist.

“Alerted by the strong odor of marijuana coming from the vehicle, officers asked for permission to search the vehicle,” Haley said. “The driver gave her consent and officers discovered several grams of marijuana packaged for sale, digital scales, other drug paraphernalia and $191 cash.”

Rajona Echelle Bickham, 19, a resident of Highway 430, was arrested and transported to the Washington Parish Jail, where she was booked on possession with intent to distribute marijuana, possession of drug paraphernalia and numerous traffic violations. She must make a mandatory court appearance before bond is set, Haley said.

“Good job, Detectives Cassard and Myers and Deputy Stogner, “Washington Parish Sheriff Randy Seal said. “This young lady’s careless driving posed a potential threat to residents of the neighborhood and her drug activities posed a threat to all citizens of our parish. I hope this arrest serves as a wake-up call and gives her an opportunity to assess her priorities in life.”