Two arrested in Pineville robbery investigation

PINEVILLE, La. (WNTZ) – Two suspects were arrested following a robbery investigation that led police to execute a search warrant with SWAT assistance, the Pineville Police Department announced Wednesday.

On Feb. 19 at approximately 7:48 p.m., officers responded to a reported robbery involving a local business delivery driver in the 2000 block of Cotton Street. Detectives launched an investigation, establishing probable cause to obtain a search warrant for a residence in the 100 block of Wood Street.

Due to the sensitivity of the case, Pineville PD SWAT was called to assist in executing the search warrant. As officers approached, two individuals fled on foot. A police drone equipped with thermal imaging technology was deployed, successfully tracking the fleeing subjects, who were apprehended without incident a short distance away.

Further investigation led to the arrests of Ethan Johnson, 17, and Jessie Hunter, 18. Both suspects face multiple charges, including first-degree robbery, criminal conspiracy, obstruction of justice (evidence tampering), resisting an officer, and possession of marijuana.

Johnson and Hunter were booked into the Rapides Parish Detention Center and are awaiting further legal proceedings.

The Pineville Police Department urges anyone with additional information to contact its Criminal Investigation Bureau at 318-449-5652.