A Minden man was arrested Friday night after leading police on a brief bicycle chase and attempting to dispose of a container with an unknown substance.
Approximately 10 PM, a Minden police officer observed Michael Waddell, 52, riding a bicycle south on Winford Street toward oncoming traffic. Waddell did not have illuminated lights on the front of the bicycle, prompting the officer to stop and attempt to make contact. Waddell ignored the officer and continued riding, at which point the officer activated his emergency lights.
Waddell then threw an open container into the tree line and continued fleeing on his bicycle. The officer exited his patrol unit and gave verbal commands for Waddell to stop. Waddell ignored the commands and rode around the unit, prompting the officer to deploy his taser. The first deployment made contact with Waddell’s back, but he continued to flee onto Oakland Street. The officer then deployed a second round from his taser, making another connection in Waddell’s lower back, causing him to stop his bicycle.
After dismounting, Waddell fled on foot but did not travel far before falling. The officer commanded Waddell to lay flat on the ground, which he complied with, and he was subsequently advised of his rights per Miranda. Another officer arrived shortly after, and Waddell was handcuffed and placed in the rear of a patrol unit.
During a search of Waddell’s belongings, officers found a large plastic sack containing approximately 78 grams of marijuana. Waddell was transported to the Minden Police Department for booking and placed in a holding cell.
Waddell faces charges of possession of marijuana, resisting an officer, not obeying traffic laws that apply to bicycles, and littering.
All subjects are considered innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.