A truck driver was arrested April 14, 2026, following reports of unsafe driving along U.S. Highway 84 near Joyce, according to the Winn Parish Sheriff’s Office.

Authorities said deputies received a complaint about a loaded log truck traveling at a slow speed, repeatedly crossing the centerline and nearly colliding with other vehicles. Deputies located the vehicle as it entered the Winnfield city limits and confirmed the reported behavior.

A traffic stop was conducted at the intersection of U.S. highways 167 and 84.

The driver was identified as Kenneth Richards of Dubach. During the stop, deputies reported detecting the odor of marijuana coming from the vehicle. A search of the truck led to the discovery of suspected synthetic marijuana on the driver’s side floorboard and a Suboxone strip inside the cab.

Deputies also recovered a plastic bag containing suspected synthetic marijuana near the driver’s side of the vehicle. According to authorities, body camera footage showed the driver discarding the bag while outside the truck.

Richards was taken to the Winn Parish Detention Center and booked on multiple charges, including failure to maintain lane, unsafe vehicle, reckless operation, simple possession of marijuana, possession of a Schedule II controlled substance and obstruction of justice.

A blood sample was obtained for toxicology testing, and results are pending. Authorities said additional charges may be filed depending on the outcome of the lab analysis.