Stolen Tractor Chase Crosses Multiple South Louisiana Parishes Before Arrest

A slow-moving but dramatic pursuit through Acadiana on Tuesday morning had social media buzzing, as a stolen tractor led law enforcement across multiple parishes before coming to a halt in Broussard.

The Vermilion Parish Sheriff’s Office reports that the ordeal began around 9:00 AM, when deputies responded to a report of a stolen tractor in the Youngsville area. The suspect, identified as Mark Ardoin, 47, was spotted near the Woodlawn Bridge on LA-82 and soon evaded a Maurice Police officer’s attempt to stop him. According to authorities, Ardoin dangerously swerved in an effort to force the officer off the road before fleeing across the Vermilion-Lafayette Parish line.

With the pursuit now gaining attention across Acadiana, additional units from the Louisiana State Police, Lafayette Parish Sheriff’s Office, Youngsville Police Department, and Broussard Police Department joined the effort. The chase unfolded on major thoroughfares, including Ambassador Caffery Parkway, capturing the attention of drivers and many on social media.

Local Facebook page Tea Talk of Acadiana shared a video of the chase, prompting a mix of comments ranging from disbelief to humor.

One commenter joked, “How many miles to a tank those things get? This could take a while,” while another claimed, “He was driving like he stole it!” Others pointed out how unusual it was to see a tractor moving at such a slow speed.

The chase finally ended at the intersection of Ambassador Caffery and South Morgan Avenue in Broussard, where authorities deployed spike strips to disable the tractor.

Ardoin was arrested and is now facing charges of felony theft of a motor vehicle and aggravated flight from an officer. He has been booked into the Vermilion Parish Correctional Center.

Sheriff Eddie Langlinais thanked all agencies involved for their coordination and highlighted how important it was that the situation was brought to a safe conclusion. While the incident drew humor online, Ardoin's about to face some serious charges.