A Louisiana state official was arrested this week after, authorities alleged, she was caught in the middle of a drug transaction with a wanted man as police were closing in to arrest him.
Bridgette Hull, the executive secretary of the Louisiana State Board of Private Security Examiners, was arrested Tuesday as police were searching for Steven McCarthy, a man with drug and firearm-related warrants out for his arrest, the Livingston Parish Sheriff’s Office said in a statement.
The state attorney general’s office had asked for the sheriff’s office’s help in McCarthy’s arrest Tuesday.
When deputies found him near a fast-food restaurant in the Albany area, they found Hull and McCarthy “in the middle of a drug transaction,” officials said. Hull was described as an acquaintance of McCarthy’s.
McCarthy fled in a vehicle, striking a car, whose driver sustained minor injuries, the sheriff’s office said.
McCarthy was ultimately arrested with no injuries.
Hull and McCarthy were both charged with two counts of possession with intent to distribute, including fentanyl and meth, and possession of a firearm with controlled and dangerous substances, the sheriff’s statement said.
McCarthy was also charged with possession of a firearm by a felon and negligent injury.
The sheriff’s office shared photos of evidence seized in the arrests, including multiple drugs, a scale and a firearm.
Authorities say the investigation continues.
Hull, 37, was processed into the Livingston Parish Detention Center, where she remains in custody. It’s not immediately clear whether she has a lawyer.
The State Board of Private Security Examiners held a special board meeting Thursday morning to discuss Hull’s “character,” “professional competence” or “physical or mental health” and will determine whether she will be terminated.
NBC News has asked the board for comment.
Marlene Lenthang
Marlene Lenthang is a breaking news reporter for NBC News Digital.
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