Man complains twice, ends up in jail each time

Tuesday afternoon, the 45-year-old walked into state police Troop G headquarters in Bossier City to complain about how Shreveport police treated him last week.

Instead, he ended up behind bars. Again.

"He said Thursday he went to SPD to complain about his car being stolen and they arrested him for DWI," Troop G spokesman Doug Pierrelee said.

Five days later, he "just visited the wrong sergeant," Pierrelee said. The desk sergeant on duty when Lawrence visited state police Tuesday happened to be a drug recognition expert.

While the trooper couldn't smell any alcohol, it only took a few questions for Lawrence to realize he once again voluntarily had walked up to the officer who was about to arrest him.

"(The sergeant) recognized some of the signs and they took blood from him and put him in jail for operating a motor vehicle under the influence of marijuana," Pierrelee said. Lawrence was booked into the Bossier Parish Jail.

When the trooper asked Lawrence why he smoked marijuana before coming to the troop, Lawrence allegedly said he "just wanted to calm his nerves before talking to police," Pierrelee said.

"It's unbelievable how conditioned people get to their habits that they think we won't notice."

And while some may find the situation hard to believe, Pierrelee said he hopes it will encourage motorists to be aware of those around them.

"Don't underestimate what's driving around you even during the day," he said. "There are so many people out there whose perception is distorted by drugs. And you're driving around these people on your way to church."