Palestine Police Arrest Four Louisiana Men in Counterfeiting Case

PALESTINE — Four Louisiana men have been jailed in East Texas for allegedly engaging in organized criminal activity. KETK reports the men, ages 20, 21, 26, and 29, were arrested Saturday in a counterfeiting operation in Palestine. It all began at 8:30 a.m., when police officers were called to two convenience stores on Palestine Avenue in reference to a suspect attempting to pass a counterfeit $50 bill. In both cases, the suspect fled the scene before officers’ arrival and left in a tan Chevy Impala with no license plate.

After receiving information that the vehicle had left eastbound from the 400 block of East Palestine Avenue, officers found the occupied suspect vehicle and a previously described suspect in a parking lot in the 1200 block of East Palestine Avenue walking back to the vehicle. All three suspects were arrested at that time for the investigation. Authorities say a search of the three suspects and the vehicle ended in the discovery of counterfeit money. Given the circumstances surrounding the suspects’ alleged scheme to pass bills at multiple convenience stores, all three were arrested for engaging in organized criminal activity. After receiving information that one of the suspects may have escaped before officers contacted the group of men, authorities began to warn businesses that there might still be a suspect passing counterfeit money.

At 2:00 p.m., police were called to the 500 block of East Palestine Avenue, where a fourth suspect was found. Authorities say upon attempting to arrest the suspect, an officer became involved in a short foot chase and physical confrontation with the man — who was Tasered after reportedly trying to reach for a weapon. Police say counterfeit money was also found on this person. He was charged with evading arrest, resisting arrest, engaging in organized criminal activity, and one warrant out for his arrest in Crowley, Louisiana for burglary. In total, 18 counterfeit $50 bills were found during the investigation, according to police. Police said the names of these men would be released after they are arraigned.