Still on the run

Ville Platte Police Chief Neal Lartigue reported Wednesday afternoon that the search for suspect Willie Melvin is still ongoing.
The incident with Melvin began on Monday night when the Ville Platte Police Department responded to a report that a female was forcibly taken in a vehicle and held against her will. According to a press release by VPPD, the suspect reportedly had a knife and drove around with the female at knife point so that she could not escape or obtain help. When the suspect pulled up at a local convenience store the female was able to escape the vehicle and run into the store for help. The employees called the police department and the male suspect fled in the vehicle.
A warrant was issued for the charges of aggravated battery, kidnapping, and unauthorized use of a moveable.
On Tuesday VPPD officers responded to a report of the same stolen vehicle being on Project Street. When officer’s arrived they began a vehicle pursuit when the suspect fled down Tate Cove Road headed North. The suspect crashed the vehicle near Industrial Park Road and fled on foot towards the Industrial Park area. Officers began a foot pursuit as other agencies began to arrive to assist. The Evangeline Parish Sheriff’s Deputies, City Marshal Deputies, Louisiana State Police and Eunice Police Department K-9 unit responded to search for the suspect.
Melvin is still wanted and a warrant has been issued with the charges of aggravated flight from an officer, running stop signs and yield signs, resisting an officer, reckless operation of a vehicle and driving under suspension.
If you see this suspect or know of his whereabouts you are asked to call the VPPD at (337) 363-1313. Your call will remain anonymous.