Man With Lengthy Criminal History Jumps From Causeway Bridge After Multi-Parish Chase, Authorities Say

A man accused of an early morning home invasion, multiple stabbing incidents, and a carjacking jumped off a causeway bridge after a multi-parish chase on May 6. The man, identified as Kentrell Tremaine Sanders, was arrested by authorities after he was pulled from the water following the jump. Court documents show Sanders has a criminal history spanning more than 30 years.

A 45-year-old man from Napoleonville, who is accused of multiple crimes, was arrested on May 6 after he jumped off a causeway bridge into Lake Pontchartrain, according to authorities. Sanders allegedly attempted to carjack a victim at the foot of the causeway bridge in Mandeville, but failed. He was later stranded on the bridge when a stolen truck ran out of gas, according to authorities.

Sanders jumped off the bridge, but later climbed into a rescue basket that pulled him from the water, where causeway police arrested him.

“It was quite a morning,” said Carlton Dufrechou, general manager of the Greater New Orleans Expressway Commission. Mandeville police said they were obtaining an arrest warrant for Sanders on charges including attempted carjacking, theft and simple battery.

The Assumption Parish Sheriff’s Office said it was also seeking warrants for Sanders on allegations of attempted second-degree murder, home invasion, aggravated battery and carjacking. An additional charge is expected related to a second vehicle allegedly stolen in Parish.

According to the Assumption Parish Sheriff’s Office, Sanders’ crime spree began around 6 a.m. Authorities said a man arrived at a hospital emergency room in serious condition after suffering multiple stab wounds to his head. The victim identified Sanders as his attacker and told police he woke up to find Sanders standing over him and stabbing him.

Shortly after, deputies received a second call from a man who said he was parked at a Napoleonville grocery store when Sanders allegedly jumped into his truck and stabbed him with a screwdriver.

The victim told police Sanders forced him to drive along Louisiana Highway 400, where he ordered him out of the vehicle and stole the truck. Authorities said Sanders later stole a second vehicle, a white pickup truck.

Deputies received a report around 8:30 a.m. of a stolen vehicle at an intersection along Louisiana Highway 42. The truck had been left running while the owner was inside a convenience store. Deputies later located the vehicle near Airline Highway and Louisiana Highway 42, where the pursuit began.

According to Mandeville police, Sanders also attempted to carjack a Southeastern Louisiana University student while the victim was pumping gas. The victim fought him off, and Sanders drove approximately 10 miles toward New Orleans before the stolen truck ran out of gas on the causeway bridge.

Mandeville Police Sgt. Timothy McJunkin said, “Upon seeing the police officer, the suspect jumped over the bridge into the water. The suspect was safely recovered from the water and is now in police custody.”

The U.S. Coast Guard, along with deputies, assisted in the rescue. Sanders reportedly refused help and remained in the water for about 30 minutes before becoming exhausted and entering the rescue basket.

Court records show Sanders has a lengthy criminal history, including an alleged arrest for selling crack cocaine in 2011 and a 2019 burglary conviction, for which he served a prison sentence.