Lafourche Parish Sheriff Craig Webre announced Taylor Broussard (age 21), who had nine active warrants, was arrested Wednesday in Baton Rouge. Broussard faces several felony charges including stalking, auto theft, battery, and aggravated assault.
As previously released, deputies responded to a disturbance at a Larose residence on Wednesday, May 3. They learned Broussard had forced entry into the home and made contact with an ex-girlfriend. Following a verbal altercation, Broussard struck the woman several times with his fists, all with a juvenile in close proximity. At one point, Broussard brandished a knife and threatened the woman before slashing a mattress and damaging other items in the room. Broussard stole the woman’s purse and phone and stole an SUV as he left the residence. Further investigation revealed Broussard had been staying in the attic for an unknown period of time, stalking the victim. Deputies had also been called to the residence a few days prior, on April 29, 2017, in reference to him entering without permission. Deputies were unable to locate Broussard or make contact with him following the May 3 incident.
Then on Wednesday, May 24, Louisiana State Police Troop A located the stolen vehicle in Baton Rouge and took Broussard into custody. He will be booked into the East Baton Rouge Parish Jail on the outstanding Lafourche Parish warrants, as well as for possession of the stolen vehicle. Upon release from East Baton Rouge Parish, Broussard will be transferred to Lafourche where he will be booked on charges including two counts of Stalking, Domestic Abuse Battery with Child Endangerment, Domestic Abuse Aggravated Assault, Theft of a Motor Vehicle, Felony Theft, Home Invasion, Unauthorized Entry of an Inhabited Dwelling, and Simple Criminal Damage to Property.
Lafourche Parish Sheriff Craig Webre and other first responders announced preparations have been made to address the upcoming closure of the Kraemer Vertical Lift Bridge in June. The Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development announced a $873,500 project began earlier this month to upgrade electrical and mechanical components of the bridge. The project includes a continuous three-week closure to vehicular traffic from June 5 to June 25. During the closure, a contractor will remove and replace the bridge’s wire ropes and major electronic conductors in the operator’s house.
The Kraemer Bridge is located along LA Highway 307 where it crosses Bayou Boeuf. There are approximately 20 residences, all within about one-third of a mile, on the east side of the bridge. There are several other buildings in the area as well, including Bayou Boeuf Elementary School which will be closed for the summer. During the bridge closure, these residents will be forced to detour by way of nearly 9.5 miles along LA 307 to access LA Highway 182 near its intersection with U.S. Highway 90 in Raceland.
“This bridge closure will certainly be a hardship for all those who live or work in the area and depend on the bridge for daily travel,” said Sheriff Craig Webre. “As first responders, we want to ensure there is no break or delay in services to the citizens, especially those who live or work near the bridge.”
The Lafourche Parish Sheriff’s Office Patrol Division will employ several measures, including extra patrols in the area during the repairs. Captain Chad Shelby, Commander of the Patrol Division, said, “Our deputies deal with bridge closures very often. In being cognizant of the closures, they will modify their patrol efforts, and in this case, they will conduct extra patrols in the area.”
Acadian Ambulance, which provides emergency medical transportation services to the area surrounding the bridge, will not be affected by the closure. “The Kraemer Bridge, itself, marks the typical response area boundaries for our ambulance stations in Vacherie and Raceland,” said Chad Davis, Acadian Ambulance Operations Supervisor. “Therefore, the closure of the bridge shouldn’t affect our response,” he added. Davis noted Air Med services will also be available, if necessary, as there are locations for a helicopter to land on either side of the bridge.
The Kraemer Bridge also separates the Bayou Boeuf and Lafourche Fire District #1 (Raceland) fire districts, but firefighters from both fire districts often respond to incidents on the east side of the bridge. Lafourche Fire District #1 President, Gary Foret, said a fire engine will be stationed immediately east of the bridge for the duration of the bridge repairs. Additionally, Bayou Boeuf firefighters will station a vessel on the west bank of the bayou to be able to access the east bank.
“While the residents on the east side of the bridge technically reside in Fire District #1, the Bayou Boeuf Fire Department assists with those incidents and can access the area faster than our district,” said Gary Foret, spokesman for Lafourche Parish Fire District #1. “By stationing a fire engine in the immediate area, volunteer firefighters from both departments can immediately respond and access the fire engine in the event of a fire. We appreciate the Bayou Boeuf Fire Department’s assistance to ensure timely service to these citizens.”
In a previous release regarding the project, the Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development stated all construction activity is weather-dependent and may be rescheduled in the event of inclement weather. Barring delays, the entire project is scheduled to be completed in August 2017.
Lafourche Parish Sheriff Craig Webre announced detectives are investigating an incident in which a male subject invaded a Galliano home and assaulted a woman.
Just before 1 p.m. on Monday, May 22, deputies responded to a residence on West 107th Street in Galliano. Upon arrival, deputies made contact with a woman who had just been assaulted inside her home. At around 12:30 p.m., an unknown male subject entered the residence through the front door which was unlocked. The man found the woman in a bedroom and assaulted her. When the woman attempted to fight off the assault, the man reportedly punched her in the face. The woman was able to fight off the attacker, and she locked the bedroom door to call for help. The man then fled the residence in an unknown direction.
“This matter is still under investigation, and we do not yet know all the facts,” said Sheriff Webre. “It is not clear if this was a random act or if the victim was targeted. Either way, we are asking for anyone who may have information to come forward.”
The suspect is described as a tall, slender male, possibly of Hispanic descent. He had brown hair, was clean-shaven, and was wearing a blue shirt with blue jeans. He had tattoos on his forearms, possibly with Asian wording. The suspect may also have a visible scratch on his neck due to being scratched in the incident. Anyone with information on this crime 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.
In the wake of this incident, Sheriff Webre reminds residents that taking proper safety precautions can help deter crimes of this nature. Residents are encouraged to keep their homes and vehicles locked at all times, and residents are also asked to report any suspicious activity to the Lafourche Parish Sheriff’s Office.
“This brazen act is evidence that such crimes can even occur in the daytime. A locked door will often cause a criminal to move on. Protect yourself and your family by keeping your doors locked and report any suspicious activity. You are the best judge of what is suspicious in your neighborhood. If you are unsure whether you should report something, we ask you to report it, and allow our deputies to investigate.”
Lafourche Parish Sheriff Craig Webre is asking for the public’s help in locating a fugitive with nine active warrants for several felony crimes. Taylor Broussard (age 21) is wanted for stalking, auto theft, battery, aggravated assault, and other crimes.
On Wednesday, May 3, deputies responded to a residence on East 16th Street in Larose in reference to a disturbance. Upon arrival, deputies learned Broussard had forced entry into the residence that morning, and he made contact with an ex-girlfriend who resided there. Following a verbal altercation, Broussard began striking the woman with his fists. A juvenile was present, and the woman shielded the juvenile as Broussard continued to strike her. At one point, Broussard brandished a knife and began threatening the woman. He used the knife to slash the bed sheet and cut through the mattress, and he damaged several other items in the room. The victim was eventually able to escape to a neighboring residence to call for assistance. Meanwhile, Broussard stole the victim’s purse and phone, and he then stole an SUV in which he fled the scene. The stolen vehicle was a dark gray 2012 Mitsubishi Outlander bearing license plate XLG572.
Further investigation revealed Broussard had been staying in the attic for an unknown period of time, stalking the victim. Deputies found bedding, water bottles, food, and plastic bottles filled with urine. Deputies had also been called to the residence a few days prior, on April 29, 2017, in reference to him entering the residence without permission.
Deputies made several attempts to contact and locate Broussard following the incident, but they were unsuccessful. Deputies obtained warrants for Broussard’s arrest for two counts of Stalking, Domestic Abuse Battery with Child Endangerment, Domestic Abuse Aggravated Assault, Theft of a Motor Vehicle, Felony Theft, Home Invasion, Unauthorized Entry of an Inhabited Dwelling, and Simple Criminal Damage to Property. Details of Broussard’s warrants and the stolen vehicle were uploaded to statewide data systems.
Deputies are asking for the public’s assistance in locating Taylor Broussard. He is a white male, approximately 6’2” tall and weighs approximately 160 pounds. His last known address is listed as a residence on South Kibbe Street in Erath. Deputies learned he lived in Lafayette for a period of time before coming to the Larose area. It is unknown whether Broussard remains in Lafourche Parish at this time. Anyone with information on the whereabouts of Taylor Broussard 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.
The Lafourche Parish Sheriff’s Office will host two FREE Hunter Education Classroom Courses this summer for anyone ages 10 or older. This two-day course covers 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.
One course will be offered Thursday, June 29 through Friday, June 30. The first day will be the classroom portion from 8am to 5pm at the LPSO Law Enforcement Complex, located at 1300 Lynn Street in Thibodaux. The class will resume the following day from 8am to 11am at the LPSO Shooting Range located at 3451 Highway 182 in Raceland. CLICK HERE to register for this course.
Another course will be offered Thursday, July 27 through Friday, July 28. The first day will be the classroom portion from 8am to 5pm at the Lafourche Parish Fire District #3 – Galliano Station, located at 17462 West Main Street). The class will resume the following day from 8am to 11am at the LPSO Shooting Range in Raceland. CLICK HERE to register for this course.
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.
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.
Lafourche Parish Sheriff Craig Webre announced the arrest of Edward Domangue (age 34) of Cut Off on Thursday, May 18, after agents found him in possession of a variety of narcotics and firearms.
On Thursday, agents of the Lafourche Parish Drug Task Force initiated a traffic stop on an SUV being driven by Edward Domangue. During a search of his vehicle, agents discovered suspected marijuana, THC wax, and drug paraphernalia. Agents later executed a search warrant at Domangue’s residence on West 126th Street where they discovered a variety of narcotics, firearms, and ammunition. In all, agents recovered 448 grams of marijuana, nine grams of THC wax, 208 doses of LSD, 13 doses of MDMA, 0.5 grams of methamphetamine, 0.5 grams of cocaine, 2 handguns, 2 rifles, 1 shotgun, and approximately 5,000 rounds of ammunition. The approximate total street value of the seized narcotics is $11,560.
Domangue admitted to ownership of all the items. He was arrested and transported to the Lafourche Parish Detention Center where he was booked with Possession with Intent to Distribute Marijuana and LSD. He was also booked with Possession of Cocaine, MDMA, Methamphetamine, and Drug Paraphernalia, as well as Illegal Carrying of a Weapon in the Presence of a Controlled Dangerous Substance. His bond is set at $45,500.
The investigation is continuing, and additional charges are pending.
The Lafourche Parish Sheriff’s Office has announced a Concealed Handgun Training Course will be held on Saturday, May 27 at the LPSO Shooting Range Facility located at 3451 Highway 182 in Raceland. The class will begin at 8:00 a.m. and last until approximately 5:00 p.m. with a break for lunch. The actual ending time will vary due to class size.
The course will include the following:
One hour of instruction on handgun nomenclature and safe handling procedures of a revolver and semi-automatic pistol.
One hour of instruction on ammunition knowledge and fundamentals of pistol shooting.
Three hours of instruction on the use of deadly force and conflict resolution. (Includes a review of R.S. 14:18 through 14:22 and which may include a review of any other laws relating to the use of deadly force)
One hour of instruction on handgun shooting positions.
One hour of instruction on child access prevention.
Two hours of actual live range fire and proper handgun cleaning procedures. Live range fire shall include 12 rounds each at 5 feet, 10 feet, and 15 feet for a total of 36 rounds.
Must perform at least one safe reload of the handgun at each distance.
Must score 100% hits within the silhouette portion of an NRA B-27 type silhouette target with 36 rounds.
The cost for the course is $110, and advance registration is suggested due to limited class size. This course is a pre-requisite for those applying for a Concealed Handgun Permit from the State of Louisiana. CLICK HERE to register online for the course, or for more information, please contact Captain Lafate Day at (985) 449-4485 or by email at lafate-day@lpso.net.
Participants will need to bring 50 rounds of ammunition, eye protection (sunglasses or eyeglasses are sufficient), and ear protection (muffs or plugs).
Sheriff Craig Webre announced the Lafourche Parish Sheriff’s Office has been honored with a 2017 When Work Works Award for Exemplary Workplace Practices. The award is part of the Society for Human Resource Management’s (SHRM’s) When Work Works project, a national initiative that helps employers become more successful by transforming the way they view and adopt effective and flexible workplaces. The Lafourche Parish Sheriff’s Office is the only law enforcement agency in the country, and the only employer in Louisiana, to receive the award this year.
The When Work Works Award recognizes employers of all sizes across the country that are excelling at offering a variety of top-rated employee initiatives such as work-life fit policies, flexible scheduling, and transition to parenthood programs. The award goes beyond work-life programs and includes initiatives that address the additional evidence-based aspects of effective workplaces, such as opportunities for learning, a culture of respect and trust, and job autonomy.
“We have gone far beyond being simply an equal opportunity employer,” said Sheriff Webre. “We continue to develop professional policies and institute best practices which have led to our national accreditation by the Commission on Accreditation for Law Enforcement since 2000, and an award for excellence during our last re-accreditation. The When Work Works Award is a further testament of how we are continuing to ensure excellence in our service to the public.
Captain Karla Beck, LPSO Personnel Commander, said, “To receive this award is a great honor for our agency. It proves that we cherish our greatest resource – our employees. We work hard to recruit and hire the very best, and we make sure that we continue to provide an unparalleled environment for them.”
In applying for the award, the Lafourche Parish Sheriff’s Office was evaluated on factors associated with employee health, well-being and engagement: opportunities for learning; a culture of trust; work-life fit; supervisor support for work success; autonomy; and satisfaction with earnings, benefits, and opportunities for advancement.
“Considering that 78 percent of employers report difficulty recruiting employees for highly skilled jobs and 38 percent report difficulty recruiting for entry-level hourly jobs, When Work Works Award winners have leveraged this recognition opportunity to distinguish themselves as exemplary employers that offer new or enhanced options that help them attract and retain top talent,” said Ellen Galinsky, president of the Families and Work Institute, the original creator of this award, and senior research advisor at SHRM.
“These winners have reinvented their workplaces in ways that benefit business and employees alike and are reaping the benefits in terms of employee job satisfaction and retention,” said Cassidy Solis, senior advisor, workplace flexibility, at SHRM.
The award is earned after a rigorous assessment that emphasizes the real-life experiences of employees and incorporates national benchmarks of employer practices from the National Study of Employers and the employee experiences from the National Study of the Changing Workforce. Two-thirds of an organization’s winning score is based on a survey of its employees.
To learn more about the When Work Works initiative and awards, visit their website at www.whenworkworks.org.
Lafourche Parish Sheriff Craig Webre announced the arrest of a Mississippi fugitive which led to the seizure of over $68,000 of illegal narcotics. James Jones (age 36) of Mississippi was arrested on Wednesday, May 17, and he faces a number of felony drug and weapons charges.
At around 11:15 a.m. on Wednesday, May 17, deputies responded to an apartment building on West 178th Street in Galliano and learned James Jones had threatened a woman. Deputies learned Jones had several active warrants in Mississippi for charges including assault on a police officer, possession of cocaine, and weapons charges. Neither Jones nor the victim was present at the apartment.
Later that day, deputies discovered Jones’ SUV turning down West 208th Street in Galliano. Deputies blocked off the street and approached the area on foot. As they did, Jones started driving the vehicle back toward LA 1. At that time, deputies approached the SUV and ordered Jones out of the vehicle. He was immediately taken into custody. Jones initially gave deputies a false name, but he was properly identified after deputies discovered his identification card. Jones did not have a valid driver’s license, and the license plate on the SUV was expired. Deputies also located three bags on the ground which Jones had allegedly thrown from the vehicle and a fourth bag inside Jones’ vehicle. Inside the bags, deputies discovered several types of suspected narcotics. He also had several hundred dollars in his possession.
Back at the apartment complex, deputies made contact with the victim and learned Jones had threatened to physically harm her during a verbal altercation earlier that day. During a subsequent search of Jones’ residence, agents discovered large amounts of suspected narcotics, drug paraphernalia, and a revolver. In all, agents seized the following amounts of suspected narcotics: over 1,150 grams of marijuana, over 408 grams of methamphetamine, over 49 grams of cocaine, nearly 36 grams of crack cocaine, 286 MDMA pills, and 2 clonazepam pills. The approximate total street value of the drugs seized is $68,445.
Jones was initially transported to the South Lafourche Sub-station where he was found to be hiding tobacco, a cell phone, and a charger on his person. Jones was later transported to the Lafourche Parish Detention Center where he was booked with Possession with Intent to Distribute Marijuana, Crack Cocaine, Cocaine, Methamphetamine, Clonazepam, and MDMA. He was also charged with Possession of a Firearm by a Convicted Felon, possession of a firearm in the presence of narcotics, Possession of Firearms with an Obliterated Number, Possession of Drug Paraphernalia, Taking Contraband to a Penal Institution, Simple Assault, Resisting an Officer, expired license plate, and no driver’s license. His bond is set at $132,200, and he is also being held for Mississippi probation and parole agents.
Lafourche Parish Sheriff Craig Webre announced the arrest of Lance Knight (age 38) of Lockport for second degree rape, home invasion, and simple burglary.
On Saturday, May 13, detectives began investigating an alleged rape which had occurred the previous night. Investigators learned that in the late afternoon on Friday, May 12, a woman took prescription medication and fell asleep at a residence she shared with an older relative. The woman awoke around midnight to find Lance Knight engaged in sexual intercourse with her. Knight was known to the victim, but he had previously been barred from the residence. She told him to stop, but he initially refused. Following the alleged rape, Knight began rummaging through the room, and he allegedly stole cash and prescription medication from the victim. The relative entered the room after hearing a commotion, and Knight immediately fled the residence. Following the investigation, detectives obtained warrants for Knight’s arrest.
On Thursday, May 18, Knight surrendered at the Lafourche Parish Detention Center in Thibodaux. He was booked on warrants for Second Degree Rape, Home Invasion, and Simple Burglary of an Inhabited Dwelling. His bond is set at $150,000.
