GONZALES — A Gonzales man pled guilty to aggravated flight from an officer and possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, District Attorney Ricky Babin announced on Friday.

On April 19, 2024, 21-year-old Mark Darby led a Gonzales Police Officer on a short pursuit after the officer attempted to initiate a traffic stop. After coming to a stop, Darby and the vehicle's passenger fled on foot before being arrested with assistance from the Baton Rouge Police Department. 

Officers on the scene located a firearm near the area where Darby, a convicted felon, was located. An investigation revealed that Darby had discarded the firearm while fleeing from officers. 

He was arrested and transported to the Ascension Parish Jail. 

Upon entering a guilty plea, Darby was sentenced to 10 years with the Louisiana Department of Corrections.