KENTWOOD — Tangipahoa Parish Sheriff’s deputies arrested a Kentwood-area man for stalking and reckless operation after he’s accused of driving dangerously to chase after a woman and her juvenile child. During the incident, the victim reported she reached speeds over 100 miles per hour to get away from the man.
Johnathan Newman, 40, was booked on one count each of stalking, reckless operation of a vehicle, and obstructing highways of commerce.
Earlier this week, a woman said she was driving on Hwy. 38 in Kentwood when she came across a vehicle that was parked across both lanes of the road, blocking the path. When she stopped her vehicle, a man exited from the parked vehicle and started walking toward her.
She said she then backed up and turned around to drive back the way she came, but he got into his vehicle and allegedly started chasing her.
During the chase, the woman said she drove over 100 mph to avoid the man crashing into her vehicle. She was able to eventually get away and contacted authorities to report the incident.
Tangipahoa deputies investigated the incident and identified Newman as the suspect. He has no association with the female victim, officials said.
This investigation is ongoing as deputies look into other similar claims in the area. If you have a recent experience like this in the Kentwood area, contact TPSO’s Criminal Investigations Division at 985-345-6150.
Download the Unfiltered with Kiran app from the Apple App Store and Google Play to stay updated on the latest news across the Capital area.
Support UWK and its mission to deliver The News You Deserve. Unfiltered. Become a monthly patron on Patreon today!
