Three women arrested in connection with search

Special to American Press

Three women have been arrested in connection with the search for a 31-year-old Lake Charles man wanted for battering two women and shooting one of them, Lake Charles Police said.

Officers learned on Sunday that Will Antonio Celestine, of 2122 Medora St., had attacked the women, and they obtained arrest warrants, said Deputy Chief Mark Kraus.

He said officers on Wednesday “came in contact with Celestine,” who led them on a high-speed case before losing control of his vehicle and crashing into a residence in the 2000 block of Martha Street.

Celestine fled on foot, leaving behind an 18-month-old baby who had been unrestrained in the vehicle, Kraus said.

Celestine then forcibly entered a residence in the 400 block of Lebato Street and held a 56-year-old woman there for about an hour, he said. Celestine fled the residence and left the victim unharmed, Kraus said.

Police on Wednesday learned that Celestine was at Gulf Stream Mobile Home Park on Gulf Highway, he said, but discovered that residents there helped the man evade arrest

A family member of Celestine’s, Katrina Jasmine Celestine, 24, of 8559 Gulf Highway, No. 387, was charged with obstruction of justice, accessory after the fact and contributing to juvenile delinquency. Bond was set at $60,000.

Another family member and a friend were similarly charged on Thursday.

Jessica Celestine, 29, of 2122 Medora St., was charged with obstruction of justice and accessory after the fact. Bond was set at $50,000. Tabitha Bergeron, 23, of 8559 Gulf Highway, No. 387, was charged with obstruction of justice, accessory after the fact and contributing to juvenile delinquency. Bond was set at $55,000.

Will Antonio Celestine, who remains at large, faces charges of domestic abuse battery child endangerment; aggravated battery by domestic violence; second-degree kidnapping by domestic violence; unauthorized entry of a dwelling; false imprisonment; aggravated flight from an officer; hit-and-run; driving under suspension; no restraint; and child desertion.

He said Lake Charles police and Crime Stoppers are offering a cash reward for information leading to Celestine’s arrest. Anyone with information can call police at 491-1311 or Crime Stoppers at 439-2222 or call 911.

Will Antonio Celestine

Special to American Press

Jessica Celestine

Katina Celestine

Tabitha Bergeron