LOUISIANA STATE POLICE
COURTESY LOYALTY SERVICE
Colonel Michael D. Edmonson, Superintendent
TROOP A - NEWS RELEASE
June 10, 2011
Traffic Stop Leads to Apprehension of Two Homicide Suspects
West Baton Rouge Parish – Louisiana State Police have two suspects in custody today after a traffic stop initiated by the West Baton Rouge Parish Sheriff’s Office led to a pursuit that ended in Iberville Parish. Deputies attempted to stop a 2007 Toyota SUV traveling west on Interstate 10 near milepost 151 for a traffic violation when the SUV failed to stop and accelerated to speeds over 100 mph.Troopers on patrol in the area immediately joined to assist West Baton Rouge Sheriff’s Deputies as the pursuit continued west on Interstate 10. Troopers then took the lead as the pursuit entered Iberville Parish. The driver of the SUV, Bradley Suntich (W/M, age 25) of Port Orange, FL exited Interstate 10 at the Grosse Tete exit (milepost 139) and travelled south on Sidney Road. Iberville Parish Sheriff’s Deputies arrived to assist at this point. Suntich drove the SUV south on Sidney Road nearly to the end of the road before attempting to turn around. He turned sharply in front of a pursuing Trooper, and the Trooper struck the driver’s side of the vehicle. Troopers and Deputies quickly took Suntich and his passenger, Tyler McClain (W/M, age 24) of Port Orange, FL into custody. During the pursuit, Suntich and McClain threw several objects believed to be narcotics out of the windows. Troopers believe that the suspects also ingested several pills in an attempt to get rid of the evidence. Upon apprehending the suspects, officers learned that the SUV was stolen from Port Orange, FL. Further investigation led officers to believe that the owner of the vehicle may have been the victim of a homicide in Port Orange. Troopers and Deputies immediately contacted the Port Orange Police Department and relayed the information regarding the possible homicide.
Port Orange Police Officers attempted contact at the victim’s residence with no response. However, officers heard what appeared to be a knocking noise coming from an upstairs location while they were at the front door. Officers made forced entry into the residence to conduct a well-being check on any occupants. Once inside the residence, officers located a deceased female located in an upstairs bedroom, age mid 50’s, and a second female in another bedroom, age mid 20’s, severely injured. There were no other persons located inside the residence.
“This is yet another example of the importance of successful partnerships across the state,” said Colonel Mike Edmonson, State Police Superintendent. “We have an excellent working relationship with West Baton Rouge Sheriff’s Office, and our Troopers were there immediately when back-up was requested. We are proud to know that the observant deputy who initiated this traffic stop and the quick and decisive actions of Troopers and Deputies may have saved a young lady’s life today.”
“Our shared communications is just one small part of the cooperative efforts between my office and the Louisiana State Police,” said Sheriff Mike Cazes. “We are all part of a big family, and we work together effectively every single day. This pursuit didn’t last very long and ended well because of the cooperation between our agencies.”
McClain was transported to Earl K. Long Hospital due to the large amount of pills that he ingested and remains in serious condition. Troopers transported Suntich to LSP Headquarters in Baton Rouge for questioning. The vehicle is being processed for evidence at the Louisiana State Police Crime Lab in Baton Rouge. Port Orange Police Detectives are currently en route to Baton Rouge to continue the homicide investigation. Troopers will book both suspects into the Iberville Parish Prison as fugitives and then book them into the West Baton Rouge Parish Detention Center on multiple charges.
Any questions regarding the homicide investigation should be directed to the Port Orange Police Department. A list of charges on both suspects will be provided when Troopers have completed their investigation.
Contact Information:
TFC Russell G. Graham II
Public Affairs Unit
Louisiana State Police – Troop A
Office: (225) 754-8524
russell.graham@dps.la.gov
www.LSP.org
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