Lafourche Parish Sheriff's Office

LPSO has identified Daronti Antonio Wesley as a Most Wanted Fugitive

8/23/2019 UPDATE: He is now in custody.

ORIGINAL RELEASE:

Lafourche Parish Sheriff Craig Webre announced detectives are actively pursuing the arrest of Daronti Antonio Wesley, B/M, DOB 4/16/99, who presently has eight (8) active warrants in Lafourche Parish. These warrants have been issued for various charges to include, Aggravated Flight From an Officer, Resisting an Officer with Force or Violence, and Illegal Possession of Stolen Things. At present, the eight (8) warrants have a total bond of $381,050.00. Wesley is also a person of interest in a recent homicide and should be considered armed and dangerous. Any person or persons who knowingly aid Mr. Wesley in avoiding apprehension may also be subject to criminal charges.

Anyone with information regarding the whereabouts of Daronti Antonio Wesley is asked to contact the Lafourche Parish Sheriff’s Office Criminal Investigations Divisions at (985) 532-4320 or 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 $1,000.00 in cash if the information leads to an arrest.

Seat Belt Checkpoint Slated for August 25, 2019

Sheriff Craig Webre announced the Lafourche Parish Sheriff’s Office will conduct a seat belt checkpoint in Lafourche Parish during the evening hours of Sunday, August 25, 2019. During this checkpoint, deputies will be checking motorists for seat belt and safety seat violations, as well as for proper inspection tags and other potential violations.

Checkpoints are designed to help raise awareness for these types of violations and make the highways of the parish safer for all motorists.

Detectives Seek to Identify Suspect in Raceland Theft Investigation

8/21/2019 UPDATE: Suspect has been identified and arrested.

ORIGINAL RELEASE:

Lafourche Parish Sheriff Craig Webre announced detectives are seeking to identify a man wanted in connection to a theft investigation in Raceland.

Detectives recently began investigating the theft of aluminum from a business located on North Service Road in Raceland. Several aluminum construction beams were stolen from the front area of the business location. The suspect, a white male, was seen driving a Chevrolet pickup truck at the time of the theft. Further investigation revealed the suspect visited an area convenience store, and detectives obtained photos of the suspect captured by surveillance cameras.

Anyone who can identify the suspects or anyone with any other 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.

Longtime Member of LPSO Inducted into R.A.D. Systems International Hall of Fame

Lucie Morvant Hall Of Fame — Lucie Morvant (center) is inducted into the R.A.D. International Hall of Fame at the annual conference. She is pictured with Archie Griffin (left) and Theresa Barker (right), both of whom are also Hall of Fame R.A.D. Systems instructors.

Lafourche Parish Sheriff Craig Webre congratulated reservist Lucie Morvant on her recent induction into the R.A.D. Systems International Hall of Fame. She was honored at the 22nd Annual R.A.D. Systems International Training and Certification Conference held in Norfolk, Virginia in July.

“Lucie has been an outstanding member of the Lafourche Parish Sheriff’s Office throughout her career,” said Sheriff Webre. “As a lifelong public servant, she is an example to all of us. I congratulate her on this extraordinary and well-deserved honor.”

Morvant has been a R.A.D. instructor for 25 years, and she has over 40 years of experience with the Lafourche Parish Sheriff’s Office. After retiring from full-time duty in 2009, she became a reservist where she continued to volunteer her time in serving the community as a R.A.D. instructor. Morvant has also served as the state director for the R.A.D. program since 2002.

“R.A.D.” stands for “Rape Aggression Defense.” The Lafourche Parish Sheriff’s Office hosts R.A.D. classes open to the public periodically throughout the year, as well as classes for private businesses. The course is suitable for women of all ages and abilities. It provides women with basic awareness and prevention skills, as well as self-defense, in the event of an attack. For more information on R.A.D. Systems, please visit www.rad-systems.com.

One Dead, One Critically Injured in Shooting Incident in Thibodaux

UPDATE: the deceased victim has been identified as 19-year-old Saharold Holmes of Thibodaux.

ORIGINAL RELEASE:

Lafourche Parish Sheriff Craig Webre announced detectives are investigating an overnight shooting that left one person dead and another critically injured. The shooting occurred in the area of Abby Subdivision in Thibodaux.

Just after 2:15 a.m. on Sunday, August 18, 2019, the Lafourche Parish Sheriff’s Office began receiving reports of gunshots in Abby Subdivision in Thibodaux. Deputies responded and found a car in the 400 block of Abby Road which had been damaged by multiple gunshot rounds. Deputies began to search the nearby area and discovered a man lying in a field with at least one gunshot wound. He was later pronounced dead. Meanwhile, deputies made contact with a second man nearby who had gunshot wounds. He was transported to a hospital for treatment, and he is currently in critical condition.

LPSO detectives, Louisiana State Police, and Thibodaux Police responded to the scene to assist. Through investigation, detectives learned two other men were in the car, and those individuals are currently being questioned in reference to the incident.

The investigation is continuing. Detectives do not believe this was a random act of violence. At least one nearby home was struck by stray rounds, but no injuries were reported at the residence. Detectives are encouraging residents in the immediate and surrounding areas to check their homes for possible damage from stray rounds. Residents are asked to report such findings to the Lafourche Parish Sheriff’s Office by calling (985) 532-2808.

Detectives are asking for the public’s help on this case. Anyone with any other 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.

More information will be released on this incident as it can be made available.

Free Hunter Education Field Day Slated for August 28

The Lafourche Parish Sheriff’s Office will host a FREE Hunter Education Field Day on Wednesday, August 28, 2019 for anyone age 10 or older who has completed the home study course. The class will take place from 4 p.m. to 9 p.m. at the LPSO Shooting Range located at 3451 Highway 182 in Raceland.

As an alternative to the traditional two-day classroom 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. 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 this course, 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 a.m. to 5 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.

Houma Man Arrested for Burglary and Gun Charges

Lafourche Parish Sheriff Craig Webre announced a Houma man was arrested after he was caught burglarizing a vehicle in Thibodaux. Mitchell Nelson III, 20, faces several charges in the incident.

At around 8:10 a.m. on August 10, 2019, an agent with the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries caught a man burglarizing his vehicle at the agent’s home. Upon being seen, the man, later identified as Nelson, fled the area. The agent’s wife contacted the Lafourche Parish Sheriff’s Office as the agent pursued Nelson in his vehicle. Nelson eventually ran into a family member’s residence on Government Circle in Thibodaux. A second Wildlife and Fisheries agent responded along with LPSO deputies and officers from the Thibodaux Police Department. After a standoff, Nelson surrendered to deputies, and he was taken into custody. Through investigation, deputies learned Nelson had a firearm in his possession, and deputies located the gun inside the residence. They found the gun had been reported stolen in Terrebonne Parish.

Nelson was arrested and charged with Simple Burglary of a Motor Vehicle, Illegal Possession of a Stolen Firearm, Possession of a Firearm by a Convicted Felon, and Resisting an Officer. Bail was set at $40,500, but he is also being held for Louisiana Probation and Parole due to a probation violation.

Rape Aggression Defense Course Slated for Raceland in September

The Lafourche Parish Sheriff’s Office will host a Rape Aggression Defense (R.A.D.) course on September 9, 10, and 11, 2019, at the LPSO Range Facility, located at 3451 Highway 182 in Raceland.

This self-defense course is designed exclusively for women and will take place over the course of all three days. The class will begin at 6 p.m. and end around 9 p.m. each day. Participants must attend all three days. Course instruction will be provided by certified R.A.D. instructors from the Lafourche Parish Sheriff’s Office.

The cost of the course is $10 to cover the cost of course materials and is non-refundable. Class size is limited, and advance registration is required. You can register and pay for the course online at www.LPSO.net/classes. The deadline to register for the class is Friday, September 6, 2019, at 11 a.m.

For more information, please contact Captain Lafate Day at (985) 449-4485 or by email at lafate-day@lpso.net.

Thibodaux Man Charged with Manslaughter after Girlfriend Dies in Domestic Incident

Lafourche Parish Sheriff Craig Webre announced a Thibodaux man has been arrested after his girlfriend died during a domestic incident. Nicholas Queen, 35, is charged with manslaughter in the death of Brianisha Ross, 27, also of Thibodaux.

Shortly after 12:15 a.m. on August 10, 2019, deputies responded to a residence in the 300 block of Carol Street in reference to a woman who had reportedly fallen through a glass table. The woman, identified as Ross, was transported to a hospital where she was later pronounced dead. Meanwhile, the Lafourche Parish Sheriff’s Office received several phone calls that the incident may have stemmed from a domestic dispute with her boyfriend, Nicholas Queen.

Through investigation, detectives learned Queen and Ross had been living together for approximately five years. When Queen returned home from work, the two began having an argument that turned physical. During the struggle, a glass table was reportedly broken. At one point, Queen struck Ross causing her to fall onto the broken glass, and she suffered lacerations. Queen attempted to provide medical aid until EMTs arrived.

Knowing he had active warrants for probation violation and contempt of court, Queen turned himself over to authorities following the incident. Detectives questioned Queen, he admitted to his involvement in Ross’ death. Detectives have not yet discovered any evidence that Queen intended to kill Ross.

Queen was booked into the Lafourche Parish Correctional Complex on the aforementioned warrants as well as a warrant for Manslaughter. He is being held without bail due to the probation violation. Queen has 13 prior arrests in Lafourche Parish, mostly for contempt charges. His most recent arrest, though, was in January 2014 when he was charged with attempted second degree murder after admitting to shooting a man during an argument over whose pit bull was “better.” He has also been previously charged with assault, contributing to the delinquency of juveniles, resisting arrest, and marijuana possession.

An autopsy is scheduled for Monday, August 12. This case remains under investigation.

Multiple Checkpoints Planned for Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over Campaign

Lafourche Parish Sheriff Craig Webre announced plans for the Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over campaign which runs from August 16 through September 2, 2019. The campaign is coordinated and funded by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration and the Louisiana Highway Safety Commission.

Multiple checkpoints have been planned in Lafourche Parish throughout the campaign. A DWI checkpoint is slated during the evening hours of Friday, August 16, 2019, and it will continue into the early morning hours of Saturday, August 17. Another DWI checkpoint is slated for Friday, August 23, 2019, and it will continue into the early morning hours of Saturday, August 24. Seat belt checkpoints will also be conducted on August 16, 21, 23, and 29. Additional deputies will also be assigned to saturated patrol efforts to target impaired drivers and help keep motorists safe throughout the campaign.

During the seat belt checkpoints, deputies will be checking motorists for seat belt and safety seat violations, as well as other violations such as expired inspection tags. During the DWI checkpoint, deputies will be looking for drivers who are possibly impaired while checking for other traffic safety issues, including but not limited to seat belt usage. Remember that Lafourche Parish is a “No Refusal” parish, meaning if a suspected drunk driver refuses a breathalyzer test, deputies will seek a search warrant to have that person’s blood tested.

Sheriff Webre reminds citizens to designate a driver if you are going to drink. Sheriff Webre also asks for patience and cooperation when passing through these checkpoints and for recognizing the importance of raising awareness for safety issues.