Ascension Parish Sheriff’s Deputies were dispatched to the Race Track gas station on Highway 73 in Dutchtown in reference to a welfare check on Thursday, January 5.

According to Sheriff Jeff Wiley, deputies made contact with a store manager who advised that she was concerned about two infant children that were sitting on a table in front of the store in the rain while the father, identified as Brian Chadwick, 31, went to the restroom. Store employees then brought the children inside of the store while Chadwick was in the restroom.

Deputies arrived on scene and located Chadwick who appeared to be under the influence of drugs. Deputies searched Chadwick and located syringes and other drug paraphernalia. The children were released to their mother unharmed.

Brian Chadwick, 31, of 38045 Tupelo Street, Gonzales, was arrested and charged with possession of heroin, drug paraphernalia, disturbing the peace, and child desertion.

He was booked into the Ascension Parish Jail awaiting bond.