Lafourche Parish Sheriff Craig Webre announced persistence paid off for one deputy as he arrested a fugitive who had evaded him on two occasions just days before. James Tardo (age 26) of Thibodaux faces a myriad of charges following the incidents. Tardo’s father, James Hicks (age 45) of Thibodaux, was also arrested in connection with one of the incidents.

On the morning of Sunday, May 7, a deputy traveling in the 500 block of St. Charles Bypass Road in Thibodaux observed a vehicle, known to be frequently used by James Tardo, parked in front of a residence. Knowing Tardo had an active warrant for his arrest, the deputy knocked on the door and Tardo appeared. He was immediately placed in handcuffs. At that time, the deputy also noticed Tardo’s father, James Hicks, inside the residence. Hicks also had active warrants, and the deputy took him into custody as well. While placing Hicks in handcuffs, Tardo fled out of the residence into a wooded, swampy area near the residence while still wearing the handcuffs. Other deputies arrived to assist, but they were unable to locate Tardo at that time. Hicks was transported to the Lafourche Parish Detention Center where he was booked on two active warrants for Contempt of Court. His bond is set at $20,000, and he has been ordered to pay $508.50 in fines and costs. He is additionally being held for authorities in Harrison County, Mississippi.

Three days later, on Wednesday, May 10, the deputy again observed Tardo while patrolling along St. Charles Bypass Road. Tardo fled into the same wooded area, ignoring the deputy’s commands. Deputies were unable to locate him at that time.

Then, just before 6 p.m. on Monday, May 15, the same deputy was again patrolling St. Charles Bypass Road and conducted a traffic stop of a vehicle frequently used by Tardo. When the vehicle stopped, Tardo exited the vehicle and began to flee on foot. This time, the deputy was able to apprehend Tardo without incident, and he was found to have suspected methamphetamine in his possession. He was transported to the Lafourche Parish Detention Center where he was booked on the aforementioned active warrant for Contempt of Court. He was additionally booked with Simple Escape, Resisting an Officer, and Theft from the May 7 incident, and he was charged with Possession of Methamphetamine and Resisting an Officer in the May 15^th incident. His bond is set at $87,500.