‘Bentley Bandit’ Arrested By Louisiana State Police

Troopers with Louisiana State Police Troop D in Lake Charles have apprehended and arrested a man wanted in several states for stealing luxury cars and for other crimes after a pursuit and intensive manhunt. The notorious 'Bentley Bandit' is finally in custody.

On July 14, at about 3:30 p.m., a state trooper located an occupied 2007 Bentley that was stolen from a car dealership in Naples, Florida in the parking lot of a business on Prien Lake Road in Lake Charles.  The driver, 22-year-old Justin William Durbin of Altus, Oklahoma fled and a pursuit ensued.  Durbin entered Interstate 210 westbound, crossed the Calcasieu River and then attempted to elude pursuing units on parish roads before crashing on Evergreen Road near Sulphur, Louisiana.

Durbin fled on foot and troopers set up a perimeter.  Patrol troopers brought in additional resources from the Louisiana State Police Bureau of Investigations and LSP SWAT team.  Other agencies joined in the search including the U.S. Marshals office, the Louisiana National Guard, Phelps Correctional Center, the Calcasieu Parish Sheriff’s Office, the Sulphur Police Department and the Westlake Police Department.  Tracking dogs and helicopters were also used in the search.

Shortly after 9:30 pm last night, a state trooper found Durbin and placed him under arrest without incident.  Durbin was booked into the Calcasieu Parish Correctional Center for aggravated flight from an officer, possession of stolen property, possession of a stolen license plate and various traffic violations related to the high speed pursuit. Durbin will be held without bond as a fugitive for the outstanding warrants.

Important assistance was provided by the Calcasieu Parish Office of Emergency Preparedness who notified residents near the search area of what was taking place.  The Louisiana State Police credit area residents for providing tips that led to Durbin’s arrest.