Vicksburg man arrested after officers find him asleep behind wheel with two children in vehicle

VICKSBURG, Miss. (VDN) —

LaTrell Ward, 26, of Vicksburg, was arrested early Sunday after officers found him asleep behind the wheel of a locked, running vehicle with two minor children inside at Waffle House.

According to the Vicksburg Police Department, officers responded around 4:45 a.m. to the Waffle House at 2455 North Frontage Road after receiving a request for assistance with a welfare concern involving a driver who was unconscious inside his vehicle.

When officers arrived, they were assisted by deputies with the Warren County Sheriff’s Office as they made several attempts to wake Ward. During the encounter, officers noticed a firearm in Ward’s waistband. The vehicle was immediately unlocked, and the firearm was secured before officers continued trying to wake him.

Police said Ward eventually regained consciousness after repeated attempts but was unaware of his location. He then became combative as officers removed him from the vehicle.

Family members later arrived and took custody of the two minor children and the vehicle.

A records check revealed Ward had an active warrant through the Warren County Sheriff’s Office, and he was taken into custody by sheriff’s deputies.

After being booked at the Warren County Sheriff’s Office on the outstanding warrant, Ward was transported to the Vicksburg Police Department, where an Intoxilyzer test indicated a blood alcohol concentration of 0.18.

Ward was charged with DUI-first offense, child endangerment and convicted felon in possession of a firearm.

No injuries were reported.