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LAKE CHARLES, Louisiana — On Monday, March 30, 2020 at 12:37 p.m., the Lake Charles Police Department was assigned to Moss Regional at 1000 Walters Street in reference to a deceased body being dropped off at that location.

Due to the efforts of the Calcasieu Parish Coroner’s office, it was later discovered that the decedent was Gavin Blaine Benoit, 18, of Vinton.  Per Coroner’s Office Investigator Charlie Hunter, the decedent’s cause of death is pending toxicology results and there are no signs of trauma or foul play.

During the course of this investigation, it was determined that Ryan Spencer George, 35, of Lake Charles, dropped off Mr. Benoit.

Investigators consulted with the Calcasieu Parish District Attorney’s office and determined a warrant for failure to seek assistance (LA R.S. 14:502) should be generated for George.

Judge Sharon Wilson signed the warrant for George and issued a bond of $100K.

George was arrested on March 31, 2020 during a traffic stop in the 700 block of West College Street by members of the SWAT team and C.A.T. team.  As a result of the traffic stop, George is also being charged with possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, illegal possession of stolen things, and various narcotics charges.

Officer Dakota Baccigalopi was the initial reporting Officer.

Evidence Officer Kristen Dearmon processed the scene.

Cpl. Jonathan Landrum was the arresting Officer.

Sgt. Kevin Hoover and Cpl. Colby Thompson are the lead investigators.