MORGAN CITY, La. (KLFY) -- A Morgan City man was arrested and charged in connection with what police are calling a "street takeover" on Mardi Gras in New Orleans, authorities said.

Kane Smith, 26, of Morgan City, is one of four suspects arrested by State Police. Smith was booked into the Orleans Parish Prison and charged with aggravated flight from an officer, three counts of aggravated obstruction of a highway, three counts of reckless driving, one count of obstruction of justice and other traffic-related offenses.

Louisiana State Police - Troop NOLA was alerted at approximately 10:30 p.m. March 4 to a public safety concern involving vehicles and pedestrians obstructing roadways, commonly referred to as "street takeovers." This particular incident occurred in the area of Chef Menteur Highway and Press Drive in New Orleans. Officials said these well-coordinated events are often linked to other criminal activity throughout the city.

State Troopers responded to assist the New Orleans Police Department and conducted three separate traffic stops involving a Cadillac CT4, an Infiniti Q50 and a Chrysler 300 — all participating in the takeover. The traffic stops escalated into pursuits across New Orleans, with drivers reaching speeds exceeding 130 mph, authorities said.

Troopers identified the driver of the Chrysler 300 as Smith. Troopers said footage from within Smith’s vehicle captured the Mardi Gras pursuit and was later posted on social media. Troopers executed a search warrant March 14 at Smith’s residence in Morgan City, where they allegedly found two stolen vehicle engines — one installed in the Chrysler 300 used in the street takeover and the other in a separate Chrysler 300 at the residence — as well as illegal narcotics. Both vehicles were seized, officials said.

Troopers arrested Brody Gautreaux, 26, of Lockport, the alleged driver of the Cadillac CT4, and seized the vehicle as part of the investigation. Gautreaux was booked into the Orleans Parish Prison and charged with aggravated flight from an officer, aggravated obstruction of a highway, reckless driving and other traffic-related offenses.

Deanta Belvin, 32, of Raceland, the alleged driver of the Infiniti Q50, was booked into the Orleans Parish Prison on charges of aggravated flight from an officer, resisting an officer, hit-and-run driving, negligent injuring and other traffic-related offenses.

Troopers identified Adel Nasher, 24, of Marrero, as the alleged driver of a Cadillac CTS also involved in the street takeover. Troopers obtained an arrest warrant, and Nasher was taken into custody March 12 in Baton Rouge. His vehicle was also seized as part of the investigation and he was charged with aggravated obstruction of a highway and reckless driving.

This case remains under investigation as investigators work to identify other potential suspects, authorities said. Anyone with potential information related to this case is asked to share that information with LSP Detectives. Information can anonymously be reported through the Louisiana State Police online reporting system or calling the LSP Fusion Center Hotline at 1-800-434-8007.

Latest news