CPSO: DWI & Seatbelt Results Released from Westlake Checkpoint

According to Kim Myers from the Calcasieu Parish Sheriff’s Office (CPSO), a DWI/seatbelt checkpoint conducted on Friday, January 23rd, at the 2900 block of Westwood Road, in Westlake turned up 2 citations, 2 seatbelt violations, and 1 switched license plate. That’s correct, no arrest's for DWI were made out of 718 vehicles that were checked through the checkpoint conducted by CPSO, the Lake Charles City Police Department, and the Westlake Police Department.

The one arrest that was made during the checkpoint was that of 22-year-old Marc Coetzee, of Lake Charles. Coetzee was arrested after attempting to drive through the checkpoint emitting the odor of marijuana from the vehicle, which deputies reportedly smelled. The driver not only admitted to smoking, but also to possessing marijuana, according to Myers.

After giving consent to deputies to search the vehicle, Coetzee was also found to be in possession of liquid steroids, steroid pills, a plastic bag containing what appeared to be marijuana, a hand rolled cigarette with what appeared to be marijuana, numerous individually packaged prescription pills, and two loaded handguns. Coetzee admitted that all of the illegal items were his, according to Myers.

Coetzee was arrested and booked into the Calcasieu Correctional Center and charged with possession of marijuana 1st offense; possession of CDS I with intent to distribute; possession of CDS III with intent to distribute; possession of a legend drug without a prescription; and illegal carry of weapons in presence of CDS.

After a judge set his bond, Coetzee bonded out on a $35,500 bond.