Sheriff: Man wanted in Evans search arrested in stolen vehicle in Sulphur

Evans, LA (KPLC) - Vernon Parish authorities say the suspect in a manhunt in Evans on Thursday has been captured in Sulphur.

Authorities said the suspect, now identified as Christopher Rainwater, 38, of Singer, was running from police in a stolen vehicle Thursday when he crashed and ran on foot.

He was stopped in another stolen vehicle in Sulphur around 10 a.m. Friday morning and arrested, Vernon Sheriff Sam Craft said.

The Beauregard Sheriff’s Office last week put out a notice that Rainwater was wanted in connection with a residential burglary.

The Beauregard Parish Sheriff’s Office said they were advised by the Calcasieu Parish Sheriff’s Office Thursday that a stolen 2022 F250 was pinging in the Merryville area.

Officers with the Merryville Police Department found the vehicle and attempted to stop it, but the driver refused to stop, leading officers on a northbound chase on La. 111 into Vernon Parish, according to Beauregard authorities.

The vehicle was found abandoned behind the Hearts Christian Fellowship Church.

Vernon Sheriff Sam Craft said the driver ran on foot into a heavily wooded area. The manhunt immediately ensued.

Around 8 p.m., a resident found a man who identified himself as Christopher Rainwater in a shop by his home, Craft said. After the resident allowed the man to use his cell phone, Rainwater left on foot, Craft said.

The Vernon Sheriff’s Office continued to canvas the area throughout the night.

Around 6:42 a.m. Friday, the Vernon Sheriff’s Office received a report of a vehicle stolen from a residence on Hwy. 111 South near the Beauregard/Vernon line.

The vehicle was stopped around 10 a.m. by officers with the Sulphur Police Department and Rainwater was arrested, Craft said.

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