09/08/2026
On September 7, 2026, at approximately 1:14 p.m., officers with the Rayne Police Department responded to Piggly Wiggly in reference to a reported carjacking involving two elderly victims.
The investigation determined that two women, ages 68 and 69, were loading groceries into a vehicle in the parking lot when they were approached by 47-year-old Michael Dupuis Jr., also known as “T-MIKE.”
During the encounter, Dupuis allegedly entered the vehicle and used physical force against the 68-year-old victim as she attempted to prevent him from taking her vehicle. Dupuis then allegedly fled the parking lot in the victim’s vehicle, which contained the victims’ purses, groceries, and other personal belongings.
Dupuis was last observed traveling eastbound on U.S. Highway 90, and surrounding law enforcement agencies were immediately notified.
Officers with the Duson Police Department subsequently located the stolen vehicle and attempted to conduct a traffic stop. Dupuis allegedly refused to stop, initiating a pursuit involving officers and deputies from multiple jurisdictions. The pursuit continued through Lafayette Parish and into St. Martin Parish, with assistance from the Duson Police Department, Lafayette Parish Sheriff’s Office, Lafayette Police Department, Louisiana State Police, St. Martin Parish Sheriff’s Office, and Breaux Bridge Police Department.
The pursuit ultimately entered the Breaux Bridge area, where the stolen vehicle became disabled. Dupuis exited the vehicle and fled from law enforcement on foot. He was quickly apprehended with the assistance of a Lafayette Police Department K-9 and taken into custody.
Chief Carroll Stelly would like to thank all assisting law enforcement agencies for their immediate response, coordination, and cooperation in locating and apprehending Dupuis.
Michael Dupuis Jr. is currently being held at the Acadia Parish Jail on a $100,000 bond set by Commissioner Andre Doguet.
