Lafourche Parish Sheriff's Office

Free Hunter Education Classes Scheduled for September

The Lafourche Parish Sheriff’s Office will host a FREE Hunter Education Classroom Course and a Hunter Education Field Day in September for anyone ages 10 or older.

CLASSROOM COURSE:

The traditional “Classroom Course” is a two-day course covering topics such as hunter responsibility and ethics, how firearms work and firearms safety, survival and first aid skills, firearm handling skills and hunting techniques, wildlife identification, game care, and information related to wildlife conservation and management. The next Classroom Course will be offered Saturday, September 23 through Sunday, September 24, 2017. The first day will be the classroom portion from 8am to 5pm at the Lafourche Parish Government Complex, located at 4876 Highway 1 in Mathews. The class will resume the following day from 8am to 11am at the LPSO Shooting Range located at 3451 Highway 182 in Raceland. Participants must attend BOTH days of the class and pass a written and practical exam to be certified. Class size is limited. Advance registration is required. CLICK HERE to register for this course.

FIELD DAY:

As an alternative to the two-day course, a Home Study Course is available online through the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries website. Those who complete the home study course MUST take their completion voucher to a “Field Day” to complete their hunter education. The next Field Day will be offered on Tuesday, September 26, 2017, from 4:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. at the LPSO Shooting Range. Entry to the Field Day will be denied unless the completed forms are presented. There will be a written test required to complete the Field Day. Class size is limited. Advance registration is required. CLICK HERE to register for the Field Day.

Firearms and ammunition should NOT be brought to any of the courses, but snacks are permitted. For more information, or for assistance with online registration, call the LPSO Training Academy at (985) 387-4480 weekdays from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., or email Lieutenant Nolan Smith at nolan-smith@lpso.net.

*Anyone born after September 1, 1969, who wishes to obtain a hunting license in Louisiana, must successfully complete a hunter education course. Exceptions may be granted by the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries for active or veteran members of the United States armed services, for any P.O.S.T.-certified law enforcement officer, or for persons who are under the direct supervision of a person 18-years or older who is already licensed and has taken the approved course. Exceptions must be applied for and approved by Department of Wildlife and Fisheries.

UPDATE: Thibodaux Murder Suspect Surrenders to Deputies

Lafourche Parish Sheriff Craig Webre announced a Thibodaux man wanted for the murder of a 29-year-old Raceland man has surrendered to deputies. Brhian Thomas (age 37) has been booked on a warrant for Second Degree Murder in the shooting death of Deeric Raymond which occurred early Monday morning.

At around 1:25 a.m. on Monday, September 4, deputies responded to a shooting in Solar Trailer Park in Thibodaux. Upon arrival, deputies located Raymond sitting in a car with a gunshot wound on the right side of his torso. He was transported to Thibodaux Regional Medical Center for treatment where he passed away a short time later. Through investigation, detectives learned Thomas and another man were involved in a physical altercation when Raymond attempted to intervene and break up the fight. After the two were separated, Thomas brandished a handgun and fired multiple rounds, one of which struck Raymond. Thomas fled the scene following the incident.

Thomas turned himself in at the Lafourche Parish Detention Center on Wednesday afternoon, and he was booked with one count of Second Degree Murder. His bond is set at $500,000.

Detectives say the investigation into the incident is continuing, and additional charges are possible.

Golden Meadow Man Arrested on Multiple Charges Following Domestic Incident

Lafourche Parish Sheriff Craig Webre and Golden Meadow Chief of Police Reggie Pitre announced the arrest of Murray Hebert Jr. (age 34) of Golden Meadow on Sunday, September 3. Hebert was arrested following a domestic incident wherein he struck a woman and children and doused the woman with gasoline.

At around 7 p.m. on Sunday, September 3, Golden Meadow Police officers responded to LA Highway 1 near Leonard Street in reference to a call of a domestic incident. Officers made contact with a woman, who had gasoline on her clothing and in her hair, and she had small children with her. Officers learned the woman had been involved in a verbal altercation with Murray Hebert Jr. when he poured gasoline on her. The woman retreated into the residence, but Hebert followed and punched her multiple times in the head. As the woman’s children attempted to intervene, Hebert punched each of them as well. Officers also learned of another incident earlier in the day wherein a verbal altercation led to Hebert grabbing the woman around her throat causing her to have trouble breathing. The victim was eventually transported to Lady of the Sea General Hospital for treatment. Meanwhile, officers learned Hebert was in possession of a firearm, and they located it inside the residence.

Later, at around 10:30 p.m. on Sunday, Lafourche Parish Sheriff’s Office deputies learned Hebert was seen on Joan Ann Drive in Cut Off. As deputies arrived on scene, they immediately observed Hebert. He was surrounded and taken into custody. Deputies found Hebert to be in possession of four small bags containing a total of 38 hydrocodone pills.

Hebert was transported to the Lafourche Parish Detention Center in Thibodaux where he was booked with Domestic Abuse Battery, Domestic Abuse Battery Involving Strangulation, Domestic Abuse Battery with Child Endangerment, Cruelty to Juveniles with Force or Violence, Possession of a Firearm by a Convicted Felon, and Possession with Intent to Distribute Hydrocodone. He was also booked on an outstanding warrant for Simple Criminal Damage to Property. His bond has not yet been set.

Deputies Charge Nine Individuals with DWI During Holiday Weekend

Lafourche Parish Sheriff Craig Webre announced nine individuals were charged with driving while intoxicated over the Labor Day weekend. The charges come as a result of increased patrol efforts through the Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over campaign which concluded over the weekend.

At around 10 p.m. on Saturday, September 2, deputies initiated a traffic stop of a vehicle traveling on LA 1 in Mathews. The driver, identified as Jake Orgeron (age 23) of Lockport, was showing signs of possible impairment, and he admitted to taking prescription medications and smoking crystal meth prior to driving. He performed poorly on a field sobriety test, and a breathalyzer test showed him to have a blood alcohol level of .000g%. Deputies obtained a warrant to test Orgeron’s blood, and the results are pending at the State Police Crime Lab in Baton Rouge. Orgeron was found to be in possession of suspected methamphetamine. He was arrested and transported to the Lafourche Parish Detention Center where he was booked with DWI (1^stOffense), Possession of Methamphetamine, texting while driving, improper lane usage, and violation of a drug free zone (due to his proximity to a school). He was released Monday morning after posting $6,200 bond.

Then at around 1:45 a.m. on Sunday, September 3, deputies initiated a traffic stop on Jennifer Street in Gray, and identified the driver as Cleveland Johnson Jr. (age 59) of Gray. Deputies detected a strong odor of an alcoholic beverage coming from Johnson, and he admitted to having consumed alcohol prior to driving. Johnson performed poorly on a field sobriety test, and a breathalyzer test showed his blood alcohol content to be .324g%. Due to his high level of intoxication, Johnson was initially transported to Thibodaux Regional Medical Center for evaluation. He was released and transported to the Detention Center where he was booked with DWI (2^nd Offense), driving under suspension, and improper lane usage. He was released Monday afternoon after posting $3,100 bond.

Seven other individuals were also charged with driving while intoxicated from Friday, September 1 through Monday, September 4:

Hope Hebert (age 45) of Thibodaux – DWI (1^st Offense) and improper lane usage;
Maria Godoy (age 34) of Thibodaux – DWI (1^st Offense) and Careless Operation;
Bobby Soudelier (age 52) of Larose – DWI (2^nd Offense) and improper lane usage;
Scott Rodrigue Sr. (age 55) of Larose – DWI (2^nd Offense), driving under suspension, and improper lane usage;
Jennielynn Russ (age 51) of Thibodaux – DWI (1^st Offense) and improper vehicle lighting;
Carolyn Hollingsworth (age 46) of Raceland – DWI (2^nd Offense), driving under suspension, improper lane usage, and contempt of court (warrant); and
Andres Robles (age 28) of Thibodaux – DWI (2^nd Offense), Possession of Marijuana and Drug Paraphernalia, Careless Operation, and Speeding.

These nine individuals charged with DWI come at the end of the latest Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over campaign. In the 15-day period spanning August 21 through September 4, a total of 26 individuals were charged with driving while intoxicated. These numbers represent those tallied by Lafourche Parish Sheriff’s Office deputies, and do not include several other DWI arrests recorded by partnering law enforcement agencies.

Sheriff Craig Webre applauded deputies’ efforts during this campaign. “Lafourche Parish has been a leader in DWI enforcement in Louisiana for many years, and this latest effort shows we are not slowing down,” said Sheriff Webre. “As a ‘no refusal’ parish, even when field tests and chemical tests are refused, we will seek a warrant to have blood tested. This is all part of our hard-line stance against impaired driving to ensure the safety of those traveling on our roadways.”

Thibodaux Man Charged with Second Degree Rape

Lafourche Parish Sheriff Craig Webre announced the arrest of Glenn Watkins (age 55) of Thibodaux for Second Degree Rape. On Friday afternoon, detectives opened an investigation into an alleged rape which occurred in Thibodaux. Through investigation, detectives learned Watkins was transporting a female friend to run errands. After the errands were completed, instead of bringing the woman home, Watkins parked behind a business. He then moved the woman to the rear seat of his vehicle and allegedly held her down while forcing the woman to engage in sexual intercourse. He also struck her in the face during the incident. The woman was eventually able to force Watkins away from her and leave the area. Detectives made contact with Watkins who admitted to striking the woman and engaging in intercourse, but he claimed it was consensual. Following an investigation, detectives obtained a warrant for Watkins’ arrest. He was transported to the Lafourche Parish Detention Center and booked on one count of Second Degree Rape. His bond is set at $50,000.

UPDATE: Thibodaux Man Wanted in Early Morning Shooting Death of Raceland Man

Lafourche Parish Sheriff Craig Webre announced detectives have obtained a warrant for Brhian Thomas (age 37) of Thibodaux for Second Degree Murder in the shooting death of 29-year-old Deeric Raymond early Monday morning.

Through investigation, detectives learned Thomas and another man were involved in a physical altercation when Raymond attempted to intervene and break up the fight. After the two were separated, Thomas brandished a handgun and fired multiple rounds, one of which struck Raymond. Thomas fled the scene, and investigators have been unable to make contact with him.

Anyone with any information on Thomas’s whereabouts, or any other information on this case, is asked to submit a tip anonymously through Crime Stoppers Bayou Region by phone at 1-800-743-7433 or online at www.crimestoppersbr.org. Tips can also be submitted using the P3 Tips app on your mobile device. Tipsters could be eligible for a reward of up to $1,000 in cash if the information leads to an arrest.

Detectives Investigating Early Morning Homicide in Thibodaux

Lafourche Parish Sheriff Craig Webre announced detectives are currently investigating an early morning shooting in Thibodaux which resulted in the death of 29-year-old Deeric Raymond of Raceland.

The investigation is ongoing and additional information will be provided as it can be made available.

Anyone with any information on this incident is asked to submit a tip anonymously through Crime Stoppers Bayou Region by phone at 1-800-743-7433 or online at www.crimestoppersbr.org. Tips can also be submitted using the P3 Tips app on your mobile device. Tipsters could be eligible for a reward of up to $1,000 in cash if the information leads to an arrest.

Golden Meadow Man Damages Several Store Fronts by Firing a Revolver

Lafourche Parish Sheriff Craig Webre and Golden Meadow Chief of Police Reggie Pitre announced the arrest of Charles Collins (age 51) of Golden Meadow who fired a revolver toward several store fronts and street signs, causing damage to each facility.

Just before 1 a.m. on Thursday, August 31, Golden Meadow Police officers responded to a report of a man firing a gun at street signs in the area of Wilfred Duet Street. After obtaining a description of the suspect’s vehicle, officers discovered a vehicle matching the description which was parked on the shoulder of LA Highway 3235 just outside the town limits. Officers made contact with the driver and identified him as Charles Collins. Officers questioned Collins and then obtained consent to search his vehicle. Inside, they discovered a revolver which appeared to have been recently fired. When questioned, Collins admitted to having fired the weapon. Officers also discovered six shell casings on the ground where the vehicle was parked. At that time, officers arrested Collins for Illegal Use of Weapons and Possession of a Firearm by a Convicted Felon.

Meanwhile, at around 1:30 a.m., Lafourche Parish Sheriff’s Office deputies responded to an abandoned convenience store on LA 3235 in Cut Off due to glass on the front door being shattered. Deputies did not find any evidence of a burglary inside the store. Deputies responded to similar calls wherein the store fronts of three other places of business appeared to have been struck by projectiles. Investigators learned Collins had been driving in the area, and they learned of his arrest by Golden Meadow Police. When questioned, Collins admitted to firing his weapon at some of the businesses and claimed he couldn’t remember whether he fired at the others. Following the investigation, detectives obtained warrants for the additional charges.

In all, Collins was booked with four counts of Aggravated Criminal Damage to Property, Illegal Use of Weapons, and Possession of a Firearm by a Convicted Felon. His bond is set at $120,000.

Man Arrested for Raping and Beating a Woman Early Thursday Morning

Lafourche Parish Sheriff Craig Webre announced the arrest of Teles Guidry (age 36) of Montegut for two counts of First Degree Rape and three counts of Second Degree Battery.

At around 8:30 a.m. on Thursday, August 31, deputies responded to a Raceland hospital in reference to a woman having been reportedly beaten. Investigators learned the woman had been in a verbal altercation with Teles Guidry inside a Raceland bar early Thursday morning and she decided to leave. Guidry followed her outside the bar and began striking her multiple times. Guidry dragged the woman into his truck and left the area. In the hours that followed, Guidry beat the woman twice more, also forcing her to have sex without her consent on two occasions. Following an investigation, detectives obtained warrants for Guidry’s arrest.

On Thursday afternoon, Guidry’s vehicle was located parked outside a motel in Terrebonne Parish. Lafourche detectives proceeded to the area along with deputies from the Terrebonne Parish Sheriff’s Office. Guidry eventually exited his room, and he was taken into custody without incident. He was turned over to Lafourche Parish authorities and transported to the Lafourche Parish Detention Center where he was booked with two counts of First Degree Rape and three counts of Second Degree Battery. His bond is set at $130,000.

LPSO Efforts Continue as Tropical Storm Harvey Approaches

UPDATE: The Lafourche Parish Assessor’s Office will also be closed on Wednesday, August 30, but they will still be answering phone calls.

Sheriff Craig Webre reported the Lafourche Parish Sheriff’s Office is continuing to monitor roadway conditions and other public safety concerns as Tropical Storm Harvey approaches the coast. Outer rain bands have dumped considerable amounts of rainfall in Lafourche Parish over the last several days, and additional rain is expected. This has led to street flooding in many areas of the parish. A few homes throughout the parish have also taken on some water.

“Our staff is dedicated to ensuring public safety,” said Sheriff Craig Webre. “We will continue working with parish emergency officials to monitor roadway conditions and close off roadways when necessary.”

While some temporary road closures have been necessary, there are currently no road closures of primary highways in Lafourche Parish, other than the closure of the Bayou Blue Pontoon Bridge on LA Highway 316. DOTD announced Tuesday morning that bridge would be closed until further notice. There are also currently no plans to close any major highways. Officials will continue to monitor roadway conditions and will make any future closures only as necessary.

Deputies were posted in various locations throughout the day Tuesday as areas become impassable due to high water. Many of those roadways were re-opened once waters receded later in the day. Barricades may also be placed where needed, and residents are reminded to never drive around a barricade. Residents are also reminded not to otherwise drive down flooded streets, if at all possible. If an emergency arises that makes it necessary to drive down a flooded street, please drive very slowly to avoid possibly pushing water into homes.

All public and private schools in Lafourche Parish are closed on Wednesday, as well as Nicholls State University. The 17^th Judicial District Courts, the Lafourche Parish Clerk of Court’s Office, the Lafourche Parish District Attorney’s Office, and Lafourche Parish Government administrative offices will be closed to the public on Wednesday as well. The LPSO Shooting Range will be closed on Wednesday, and the Hunter Education Field Day scheduled for Wednesday is also canceled.

Lafourche Parish Government is continuing to make sandbags available to the public at field offices are various satellite locations throughout the parish. Sheriff Webre has assigned trusties to assist in filling sandbags.

Please contact the Lafourche Parish Sheriff’s Office with any weather-related issues at (985) 532-2808, or simply dial 9-1-1 in an emergency.

For the most up-to-date information, including a list of all sandbag locations, go to www.LPSO.net/Harvey, and check back often for updates. You can also monitor social media for updates by following @LafourcheSO on Facebook and Twitter.