Anonymous tip leads to arrest warrant for Opelousas resident
OPELOUSAS, La. (KLFY) — An anonymous tip has led to an arrest warrant issued for a suspected Opelousas drug dealer, according to St. Landry Parish Sheriff Bobby Guidroz.
Authorities are looking for William Rideau, 40, on charges of possession with intent to distribute cocaine, possession with intent to distribute crack cocaine, possession with intent to distribute PCP and possession of drug paraphernalia.
“Approximately one month ago, narcotics detectives with the St. Landry Parish Sheriff’s Office received an anonymous tip regarding William Rideau selling cocaine and crack cocaine from 553 Liberty Street in Opelousas, Louisiana, where he resides with his mother,” Guidroz said, in a news release. “Detectives attempted to speak with the residents, however, the mother was non-cooperative and refused to provide consent to search.”
Guidroz said detectives continued to monitor the traffic from the residence and on June 19 conducted a traffic stop for illegal window tint on a black Chevrolet Silverado on Railroad and South Street. The driver of the vehicle provided the registration, which showed that the vehicle belonged to the resident of 553 Liberty Street in Opelousas. Upon searching the vehicle, detectives located two digital scales and numerous small zip-top plastic bags. During questioning, the driver admitted that the scales and packaging material belonged to Rideau.
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While detectives were on the traffic stop, Rideau’s mother arrived on scene and claimed possession of the truck. She was advised of her Miranda rights and was informed that her residence would be frozen pending the issuance of a search warrant, officials said. Her cellphone was seized to prevent her from alerting anyone at the residence of detectives’ presence for the purpose of officer safety, and to prevent the destruction of evidence, Guidroz said.
Detectives then went to the house where they froze and cleared the inside of the residence. One occupant was detained inside the residence and was identified as the father of Rideau.
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At approximately 11:45 a.m., detectives obtained a warrant signed to search the residence. During the search, detectives located approximately 5 grams of cocaine, 3 grams of crack cocaine and 3 fluid ounces of PCP, authorities said.
Detectives then obtained an arrest warrant for Rideau. He is a Black man described as 5 feet 10 inches tall, weighing 150 pounds.
If you know the whereabouts of Rideau or have any information about illegal drug activity, you may call Crime Stoppers at 337-948-TIPS, download the P3 app on your mobile device or simply dial **TIPS on your mobile phone to tip. All calls are anonymous and you can earn a cash reward for information leading to an arrest.
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