Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries (LDWF) enforcement agents and Louisiana State Police (LSP) troopers arrested a Gonzales man for alleged traffic violations on Aug. 5.

LDWF agents arrested Branden Rockwood, 31, for third offense of driving a vehicle while impaired (DWI) and while under license suspension.  The Louisiana State Police also charged Rockwood with hit and run, careless operation, operating a vehicle without a license, expired motor vehicle inspection, illegal tint, and for not possessing vehicle insurance.

Agents were on patrol around 10:30 a.m. when they found a Black Lincoln Town Car with front-end damage on the shoulder of Interstate 10 in St. James Parish.  Agents made contact with Rockwood, who was the operator, and noticed that he was impaired and been involved in a traffic crash.  Agents arrested Rockwood and booked him into the St. James Parish Jail.

Agents then learned that the LSP was investigating a hit and run in St. John Parish.  The LSP was able to link Rockwood with the hit and run in St. John Parish and filed the additional charges on Rockwood.

This was Rockwood’s third DWI offense within a month.

Third offense DWI brings a $1,000 to $2,000 fine and one to five years in prison.  Operating a vehicle while under license revocation carries up to a $500 fine and six months in jail.  Hit and run brings up to a $500 fine and six months in jail.  Illegal window tint carries up to a $150 fine.  Failing to have vehicle insurance brings a $500 to $1,000 fine.  The penalties for careless operation, no driver’s license and expired motor vehicle inspection are set by the parish.

LDWF agents participating in the case are Corporal Steven Jackson, Corporal Christopher Hebert, and Agent Austin Anderson.