Suspect Jumps From Causeway Into Lake After Multi Parish Crime Spree

A dramatic and dangerous situation unfolded Wednesday morning on the Lake Pontchartrain Causeway after a man accused of a violent crime spree across South Louisiana jumped into the water while attempting to evade law enforcement.

According to NOLA.com, authorities identified the suspect as 45-year-old Kentrell Tremaine Sanders of Napoleonville.

Allegations Span Several Parishes

According to the Assumption Parish Sheriff’s Office, the situation began around 6 a.m. when deputies were called to Assumption Community Hospital. A man being treated for multiple stab wounds told deputies Sanders had broken into his home and attacked him.

Investigators say Sanders then went to a nearby convenience store, where he allegedly forced a man into his own truck before eventually stabbing him and taking the vehicle.

Pursuit And Escalation Across Regions

Sanders later traveled into Ascension Parish, where he is accused of stealing another vehicle from a business near the intersection of Highway 621 and Highway 73. Deputies attempted to pursue him, but the chase was called off after about five minutes.

At that time, officials say they were unaware of the earlier violent incidents in Assumption Parish.

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Attempted Carjacking In Mandeville

The situation escalated again in St. Tammany Parish when Mandeville Police responded to an attempted carjacking at a gas station along Highway 22.

Authorities say Sanders tried to steal a vehicle from someone pumping gas, but the victim fought back, forcing him to flee toward the Causeway.

Causeway Standoff Turns Into Water Rescue

While heading southbound on the Causeway Bridge, Sanders reportedly ran out of gas near mile marker 10. When Causeway Police approached the disabled vehicle, he jumped off the bridge into Lake Pontchartrain.

Video circulating on social media shows the suspect being pulled from the water in a rescue basket roughly 30 minutes later. The U.S. Coast Guard assisted in the operation.

Suspect Arrested After Rescue

Sanders was taken into custody at the scene and transported to a hospital. Officials say he did not appear to have serious injuries.

The southbound lanes of the Causeway were temporarily shut down during the rescue but reopened by midday. The investigation remains ongoing.