Ascension Parish Sheriff’s Office is asking for the public’s assistance in locating Ryan Espinoza. On the evening of February 21, deputies received a called that someone was possibly mixing narcotics in a residence located at 37313 LA 74, lot 181 in Geismar.

Deputies arrived on the scene and a neighbor advised that while outside smoking a cigarette he heard a loud explosion and then a large flame coming from a bedroom window of a residence. The neighbor advised he ran to the residence to rescue people inside and saw Espinoza on the back porch carrying a large black garbage bag leaving the residence.

Narcotics detectives arrived on the scene to take over the investigation and located items in the residence consistent with the manufacture of methamphetamine. Detectives learned that Christy Cockerham, Espinoza’s girlfriend, was present in the residence at the time of the explosion and placed her under arrest for the creation of a clandestine lab and possession of drug paraphernalia. Cockerham, 35, of 37313 LA 74, lot 181, Geismar was arrested and booked into the Ascension Parish Jail where she is awaiting bond.

Ryan Espinoza, 31, of 13206 George Rouyea Road, Gonzales is wanted for the creation of a clandestine lab, simple arson, possession of methamphetamine, and possession of drug paraphernalia.

Anyone with information on illegal drug activity is urged to contact the Ascension Parish Sheriff’s Office Narcotics Division at 225-621-8350 or Crime Stoppers at 225-344-STOP (7867).