FERRIDAY — An alleged battery of a fellow officer, possession of drugs in a penal facility, and a reported pursuit on foot down Louisiana 15 all led to the arrest of one parish corrections officer Monday morning.

Julius White Jr., 27, 113 Tolliver Road, Ferriday, faces charges of battery of a correctional facility employee, flight from an officer, introduction of contraband into a penal institution and malfeasance in office for the alleged crimes.

Concordia Parish Chief Deputy David Hedrick said the incident began when a special unit of corrections officers came to Rivers Correctional Center to perform a “shakedown” on both officers and inmates, which Hedrick said occurs periodically.

During the shakedown of corrections officers, which Hedrick said occurred in the front lobby area of the facility, White allegedly inflicted force upon an officer from the unit.

“He shoved another officer and ran out of the prison down the highway,” Hedrick said.

While guards reportedly chased White on foot down Louisiana 15, he allegedly tossed aside an undetermined amount of illegal narcotics.

The officers eventually caught up to and detained White, who was booked at approximately 6:35 a.m. into the parish jail on the aforementioned charges. No bond had been set as of Monday afternoon.

“We’re not going to tolerate, whether they be officers or inmates, violating the law,” Hedrick said. “If a corrections officers breaks the same law that a free person breaks, we’re going to pursue charges against them. We’re not above the law, and neither are they.”

Hedrick said White likely planned to distribute the drugs he allegedly possessed to an inmate, though that will have to be confirmed via an investigation.

“That’s the only reason it could have been brought in,” Hedrick said. “(But) it’s still under investigation. If anybody else is determined to be involved, they will be arrested also.”

Hedrick said the group was called in to search the entire group of officers, not only White.

Hedrick said he would not disclose further details due to the ongoing investigation.