One Winnfield man has been arrested and a warrant seeking the arrest of a second has been issued in connection with a police pursuit and hit-and-run February 7.

The incident began around 4 p.m. last Wednesday with a routine traffic stop by state police, according to local officials. The subjects fled the scene and the pursuit followed.

One witness described it as a “slow-speed pursuit” as the Louisiana State Police SUV with emergency lights flashing tailed an older white vehicle north on Ethel Street. “At Wren Street, the fleeing vehicle’s driver paused before gunning it up the Wren Street incline. The driver then made an impressive right into the back drive of Lagniappe Home Health. The state patrol trooper also made the tight turn while activating the siren.”

Police reported that the suspect drove through the parking lot. Upon entering the five-lane across from the Donut Palace, the suspect’s car impacted a small black pickup that ended up sideways on the curb. Two black males abandoned their car and fled the scene. Sirens of other law enforcement vehicles responding to the incident were heard and the road was soon blocked by police and emergency vehicles. No injuries from the wreck were reported.

State Police were joined by units from the Sheriff’s Office, City Police and City Marshal’s Office in a search for the men that focused on the Mosley Drive area. Sheriff Cranford Jordan said his office’s chase dog team was employed as one man attempted to cross Hwy 84 west around Sylvan Meadows where he was apprehended around 5:15 p.m.

Arrested was Ario Armbrister, 25, of King Street who was charged as a felon in possession of a firearm and aggravated flight. State Police sought a warrant for the arrest of the second suspect and that was signed by Judge Anastasia Wiley.