Milam County deputy arrests wanted man

Milam County Sheriff’s Office arrested a subject wanted out of Louisiana on a long list of felony charges a little after midnight Monday. Milam County Sheriff’s Deputy Josh Perez stopped the suspect for a minor traffic violation at FM 2095 and U.S. 77.

While speaking to the driver Perez noticed a marijuana odor coming from the vehicle and a subsequent search located just under 4 ounces of marijuana and a stolen firearm. The subject had initially provided a false name and date of birth at the start of the traffic stop; however, he was later identified as Rapheal J. Roche, born in Louisiana but currently residing in Temple.

Roche’s charges out of Louisiana appear to stem from a Sept. 30, 2020 incident when he fled Jennings police officers. During that incident it was reported that he fled in a vehicle and used a firearm to shoot at officers pursuing him. 

Additionally, it also appeared from the Louisiana incident that drugs were located in Roche’s vehicle. 

Jennings police charged Roche with attempted first-degree murder, obstruction of justice, carrying a firearm by a felon, illegal possession of a stolen firearm, aggravated flight from an officer, prohibited acts: schedule II CDS and five other misdemeanor charges.  A final charge of jumping bail was added when he did not return after posting bonds of around $37,000. 

Roche was booked into the Milam County Jail on local charges of possession of a stolen firearm, possession of marijuana greater than 2 ounces less than 4 ounces and unlawfully carrying a firearm – as well as the multiple outstanding charges from Louisiana.

He will be seen by a judge later this morning to be arraigned for all charges.