Louisiana Murder Suspect Captured After Brief Police Chase

CHURCH POINT, La. (KPEL News) — A man wanted in connection with a deadly January shooting in Church Point is currently in custody in Jennings on unrelated charges, officials say.

Police said they tracked 30-year-old Tyren Chavis of Church Point, to a location in the 800 block of Penny Street in Jennings using drones and officers, after he evaded capture during a traffic stop. According police, Chavis was driving a stolen car with an expired tag when an officer attempted to stop him. Chavis and a passenger crashed into a tree and ran off, ending the chase.

Chavis is the second suspect linked to the January 28th murder of Eric St. Julien. While Chavis has not yet been booked on the murder charge, a detainer has been placed on him.

Once he resolves his current charges in Jefferson Davis Parish, he will be transported to Acadia Parish to face a Second Degree Murder charge as well as a charge for being a Convicted Felon in Possession of a Firearm.

Chavis has a lengthy criminal history, according to the Church Point Police Department.

A previous arrest was made in the case — Joseph Casey Wilridge Jr. was taken into custody shortly after the shooting occurred. The incident appears to have stemmed from an ongoing dispute, police said.

Still Seeking the Public’s Help

Although Chavis is now in custody on unrelated charges, Church Point Police are continuing to ask for the public’s help in gathering more information connected to the murder case.

If you have any information about Tyren Chavis, his whereabouts prior to arrest, or his connection to the homicide, you're urged to contact the Church Point Police Department at (337) 684-5455, or reach out to your local law enforcement agency. All tips can remain anonymous.

The Investigation is Ongoing

The Church Point Police Department issued a statement thanking the Jennings Police Department for their assistance in apprehending Chavis, stating, “We are grateful to the Jennings Police Department for getting Mr. Chavis off the streets.”

This remains an active investigation, and authorities say more updates may be released in the coming days.