Traffic stop in Pine Prairie results in arrests of two credit card skimmers

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Pine Prairie Police Officer Joshua Uhlman, on Saturday, October 17, conducted a traffic stop on a vehicle for speeding 65 mph in a 45 mph zone. The vehicle came to a stop near Jewel Lane on Hwy 13.
Upon approach of the vehicle, the driver shifted into drive and sped off. A pursuit engaged northbound on Hwy 13 of the Red Chevrolet Cruze with New York plates. Speeds reached 130 mph, and the driver was running vehicles off the roadway. The pursuit came into Turkey Creek where Officer Stevie Ardoin with the Turkey Creek Police Dept. joined the pursuit. The vehicle then turned onto US Hwy 167 N headed southbound towards Bayou Chicot where the passenger side tire blew and the driver almost crashing into the Turkey Creek police unit. Pine Prairie and Turkey Creek Police was able to get the vehicle stopped just south of the Turkey Creek corporate limits on US Hwy 167N. Both the driver and passenger were taken into custody without further incident.
During the investigation, suspected marijuana was located on the clothing of the passenger, Sebastien Mombes (27 of Orlando, Fla.). Further search yielded multiple credit cards on the driver, Ramon Silverio (21 also of Orlando, Fla.) that were under different names. A search of the vehicle reveled more suspected marijuana buds along with two credit card reader/ writers used in manipulating credit cards illegally. More credit cards not belonging to the driver or passenger along with several blank cards were located.
Identity thieves use these types of cards to reprogram blank or current cards to new numbers and names in an attempt to steal money from unsuspecting victims.
All items were taken into evidence and the vehicle was checked thoroughly for further illegal items.
The driver, Silverario, was booked into the Evangeline Parish Jail for speeding 65 mph in a 45 mph zone, aggravated flight from an officer, reckless operation of a vehicle, driving under suspension, and Anti-Skimming Act Section C.
The passenger was charged with possession of marijuana and also Anti-Skimming Act Section C.
This incident remains under investigation and more charges are possible from other jurisdictions due to the nature of the thefts. We want to thank the Turkey Creek Police for assisting us in this matter.
Chief L.C. Deshotel wants to remind the public to report any suspicious activity by calling his office at 337-599-2708.