Thibodaux Chief of Police Bryan Zeringue announced that two separate arrests were made connected to the April 6, 2024, shooting investigation, which also led to multiple other gun, drug and warrant related arrests on additional subjects.
Darion Folse (20, B/M, – Raceland, LA) is charged with Attempted Second Degree Murder (3-Counts – Felony), Aggravated Criminal Damage to Property (4-Counts – Felony) & Illegal Use of Weapons (Felony).
Camron Franklin (21, B/M, – Thibodaux, LA) is charged with Attempted Second Degree Murder (3-Counts – Felony), Aggravated Criminal Damage to Property (4-Counts – Felony) & Illegal Use of Weapons (Felony).
Latajh Henry (19, B/M, – Thibodaux, LA) is charged with Possession with Intent to Distribute Marijuana (Felony).
Jaquane Smith (21, B/M, – Houma, LA) is charged with Illegal Possession of a Stolen Firearm (Felony).
Joshua Lamark (23, B/M, – Thibodaux, LA) is charged with Possession with Intent to Distribute Marijuana (Felony) & Illegal Use of a Controlled Drug in the Presence of Persons Under 17 Years Old (Misdemeanor).
Ahmad Williams (24, B/M, – Thibodaux, LA) is charged with a Contempt of Court Warrant for Failure to Appear.
On Saturday, April 6, 2024, at approximately 4:20 p.m. members of the Thibodaux Police Department began investigating a shooting that occurred in the 1000 block of S. Acadia Road.
On the aforementioned date, the Thibodaux Police Department received multiple 9-1-1 phone calls of a shooting that took place outside a fast food establishment in the 1000 block of S. Acadia Road. When police arrived, they discovered a crime scene and property damage, but all parties involved had fled the scene.
Thibodaux Police Detectives were called to the scene to process for evidentiary purposes. This investigation has been ongoing and after a lengthy investigation around the clock, the Thibodaux Police Department Criminal Investigations Division secured warrants on two shooters involved in the incident. It was determined it was an isolated incident and all parties involved were identified. No subjects were reported injured in the incident; however, multiple pieces of equipment at the fast food establishment were struck, along with several unoccupied vehicles in the area.
On Tuesday, April 16, 2024, an operation took place inside the City of Thibodaux between the Thibodaux Police Department Criminal Investigations Division, Thibodaux Police Department S.W.A.T. Team and the Terrebonne Parish Sheriff’s Office, where an attempt was made to apprehend Darion Folse and Camron Franklin on active warrants related to the shooting. During the operation, four other subjects were located with the two shooting suspects and were all arrested on unrelated drug, gun and warrant charges.
Other suspects are not being ruled out, as the Thibodaux Police Department Criminal Investigations Division will continue working diligently, following every lead necessary to apprehend any and all responsible parties involved.
All subjects were booked and charged accordingly and the incident remains under investigation. More information will be released as it can be made available to the public.
If you have any information regarding this incident, 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. If you submit a tip through Crime Stoppers, tipsters could be eligible for a reward of up to $1,000 in cash if the information leads to an arrest.
Thibodaux Chief of Police Bryan Zeringue announced that an arrest has been made in connection with a traffic stop/narcotics search warrant that resulted in the findings of a large amount of marijuana, ecstasy, mushrooms, cash, drug paraphernalia and several firearms.
Andrew Nora (20, B/M, of Thibodaux, LA) is charged with Illegal Carrying of a Weapon in the Presence of a CDS (Felony), Possession with Intent to Distribute Marijuana (Felony), Possession with Intent to Distribute MDMA (Felony), Possession with Intent to Distribute Psilocybin (Mushrooms) (Felony), Sale, Distribution, or Possession of a Legend Drug without Prescription or Order Prohibited (Misdemeanor) & Possession or Distribution of Drug Paraphernalia (Misdemeanor).
On Tuesday, March 26, 2024 shortly after 2:00 p.m., the Thibodaux Police Department Narcotics Division conducted a search warrant in the 1400 block of Lynn Street. The search warrant was a result of findings on a traffic stop with Mr. Nora, where he was found to be in possession of more than a quarter pound of marijuana and $1,350.00 in U.S. Currency.
A search warrant was granted for his residence, which later resulted in the recovery of over 30 pounds of Marijuana, 1 pound of Mushroom Extract, ¾ pound of Mushrooms, 52 Individual THC Vaping Pens, ¾ ounce of Ground Mushrooms, 3,230 gross grams of liquid Promethazine, an assortment of drug paraphernalia, two 9mm Handguns and an additional $1,163.00 in U.S. Currency.
Mr. Nora was placed under arrest and taken to the Lafourche Parish Correctional Complex, where he later posted a cash bond of $127,000.00.
Thibodaux Chief of Police Bryan Zeringue announced the arrest of Jerome Davis (B/M, 21) of New Orleans, La. Davis was charged with 2-counts of Simple Burglary (Felony), 3-counts of Attempted Simple Burglary (Felony) & 1-count of Theft of a Motor Vehicle (Felony).
On February 29, 2024, during early morning hours, Thibodaux Police Officers responded to multiple complaints of vehicle burglaries and the theft of a motor vehicle within the city limits, including that of an unmarked Lafourche Parish Sheriff’s Office unit, which was burglarized. Around the same time, the Lafourche Parish Sheriff’s Office began investigating multiple vehicle burglaries and auto thefts within their jurisdiction, just outside the city limits.
During the early stages of the investigation, detectives were able to utilize GPS technology to track the stolen vehicle to a location in New Orleans East. Detectives continued their investigation and obtained valuable information from law enforcement and open source databases, which provided overwhelming evidence that a group of subjects residing in New Orleans, LA, were responsible for the burglaries and auto thefts. At that time, detectives requested assistance from the Louisiana State Police Insurance Fraud/Auto Theft Unit New Orleans Field Office (LSP-IFAT-NFO).
After a nearly month-long investigation, TPD detectives worked diligently with LSP-IFAT-NFO, and were able to confirm that Jerome Davis was the suspect. On March 22, 2024, detectives assisted LSP-IFAT-NFO and LSP SWAT as they executed arrest and search warrants at several locations in New Orleans East. This resulted in the recovery of the vehicle that had been stolen from the city limits. Jerome Davis was taken into custody on charges stemming from these crimes, as he had possession of a stolen vehicle in New Orleans, LA.
On March 22, 2024, Louisiana State Police issued a Press Release regarding their involvement into the incident…
“Four Arrested for Stolen Vehicles and Burglaries
New Orleans – On March 12, 2024, the Louisiana State Police Insurance Fraud/Auto Theft Unit New Orleans Field Office (LSP-IFAT-NOFO) received a report from the Thibodaux Police Department (TPD) regarding a series of vehicle burglaries and auto thefts that took place in Lafourche Parish, near Thibodaux. Before seeking assistance from LSP-IFAT-NOFO, TPD and the Lafourche Parish Sheriff’s Office (LPSO) collaborated to track multiple vehicles in the New Orleans area using GPS technology, identifying several suspect addresses.
The investigation revealed that on February 29, 2024, a group of suspects from New Orleans traveled to Lafourche Parish, where they burglarized multiple vehicles and stole two others before returning to New Orleans with the stolen vehicles. Through diligent investigative work, multiple suspects were identified in connection with the vehicle burglaries and thefts.
On March 22, 2024, detectives and Troopers, supported by LSP SWAT, successfully obtained and executed multiple search and arrest warrants at various locations in New Orleans East. This operation resulted in the recovery of two stolen vehicles and the apprehension of four suspects: 21-year-old Jerome Davis, 19-year-old Lindsey Singleton, 19-year-old Jamal Lambert, and 22-year-old Dendre Frelix, all residents of New Orleans. Davis was taken into custody as a fugitive from the Louisiana Department of Corrections for charges of Unlawful Flight to Avoid Prosecution and Illegal Possession of Stolen Property. Singleton was arrested on two counts of Illegal Possession of Stolen Property, while Lambert and Frelix were arrested on one count each of the same.
The investigation remains ongoing as the LSP-IFAT-NOFO continues to focus on crimes related to auto theft and insurance fraud. The public is a crucial partner in identifying individuals involved in these crimes and is strongly urged to report criminal or suspicious activity to the LSP-IFAT via lsp.insurance.fraud.unit@la.gov.”
Afterward, detectives obtained arrest warrants for Jerome Davis for the abovementioned offenses. The bond amount for these warranted totaled $225,000.00. The warrants were forwarded to the Orleans Justice Center (OJC). Davis will be booked for the fugitive attachments in Orleans Parish and will remain in their custody due to facing multiple charges in Orleans Parish.
Chief Zeringue would like to thank the Louisiana State Police and Lafourche Parish Sheriff’s Office for their assistance through this investigation and for the continued partnership we share in law enforcement.
Chief Zeringue would also like to take this time to urge our community partners to ensure all property and vehicles are locked and secured when left unattended. We are finding that majority of the burglary related complaints we are handling, result in the victimized party leaving their automobiles unlocked with valuables and weapons inside. We also have noticed a trend of vehicle keys and key fobs being left inside the unsecured vehicles. As always, we encourage our community partners if you see or witness any type of criminal activity or anything suspicious or out the ordinary, please contact the Thibodaux Police Department at (985) 446-5021. “Locking your vehicles and removing any valuables can go a long way in the protection of your property, ” said Chief Zeringue. “Many burglars are looking for unlocked, easy targets.”
As we prepare for the remaining 2024 Mardi Gras Season, Thibodaux Chief of Police Bryan Zeringue has some important changes to share with our community partners about this Sunday’s Parade (2-11-24). Both Cleophas and Chronos will be pushed up 30 minutes. The NEW correct times are reflected below. Ghana, the Fat Tuesday Parade (2-13-24), will remain as previous scheduled.
Krewe of Cleophas – 2-11-24 @ 12:00 PM
Krewe of Chronos – 2-11-24 @ (Immediately Following Cleophas)
Krewe of Ghana – 2-13-24 @ 1:00 PM (Fat Tuesday)
The Krewe’s of Cleophas & Chronos will all start and end at Nicholls State University. Parades will start on Audubon Ave. at Afton St. proceeding north. Turn left onto Menard St. headed west. Turn right onto Canal Blvd. headed north until W.2nd St., then turn left onto W.2nd St. Proceed onto La.1 to Jackson St. South on Jackson St. Turn left onto W. 9th St headed east to Canal Blvd. Turn left on Canal Blvd. then right onto E. 7th St headed east. Turn right onto Bayou Ln. traveling south and continue to N. Acadia Rd. Turn left onto N. Acadia Rd. and continue east to Audubon Ave. At Audubon Ave. turn left and continue north to Nichols State University ending at John L. Guidry Stadium.
Total Distance- 3.8 miles
The Krewe of Ghana will start on Iris St. @M.L.K. Park west to Rock St. Turn left on Rock St., then right on School St. School St. to Canal Blvd., then right and immediately onto St. Charles St. headed north. Turn left on Menard St. to Canal Blvd. then right up to W.2nd St. Turn left on W.2nd St. headed west to La. 1. La 1. To Jackson St., then left south on Jackson St. Turn left onto W. 9th St. and continue east to Canal Blvd. Turn left onto Canal Blvd. and continue to E. 7th St. Once on E. 7th St., turn right onto St. Charles St. and travel south to Gerald T. Peltier. At Gerald T. Peltier turn left and continue east to S. Acadia Rd. Parade will disperse at M.L.K. Blvd.
Chief Zeringue and the Thibodaux Police Department would like to thank our community partners for their understanding as we continue to adjust to Mother Nature.
Thibodaux Chief of Police Bryan Zeringue announced the arrest of Xavier Smith (B/M, 18), of Gheens, LA for Terrorizing (Felony), amid threats to individuals at E.D. White High School.
On Tuesday, February 6th, 2024, during mid-morning hours, Thibodaux Police Officers responded to 555 Cardinal Drive (Edward Douglas White High School), due to a report of a male subject making threats of violence to students at the school via snap-chat. No specific threat was made to the school at large.
Upon officers arriving on scene, it was learned that several juvenile students received threating messages both text and pictures through a snap-chat application. The students were able to provide detectives with the first name of the suspect, but the last name was later discovered through investigation. While detectives continued with the investigation, officers remained on scene through dismissal.
As detectives worked into the night, the suspect was confirmed to be Xavier Smith who had affiliation with a student at E.D. White High School. The investigation revealed that Mr. Smith made violent threats to several individuals who were acquaintances of the student that Mr. Smith was affiliated with.
Facts of the investigation led the Thibodaux Police Department Criminal Investigations Division to obtain a Terrorizing Warrant for the arrest of Mr. Smith. During the late night hours of Tuesday, February 6th, 2024, investigators were able to confirm that Mr. Smith was not located in Lafourche Parish. Investigators worked around the clock with Probation & Parole and the Plaquemine Parish Sheriff’s Office to form a plan to apprehend the suspect.
This evening, Mr. Smith was successfully apprehended without incident. Mr. Smith was located in Venice, Louisiana, where he was taken into custody by the Plaquemine Parish Sheriff’s Office S.W.AT. Team.
Mr. Smith will be booked by the Plaquemine Parish Sheriff’s Office and later transported to the Lafourche Parish Correctional Complex. Mr. Smith has a bond set at $250,000.00. The incident remains under investigation and further charges regarding this incident are not being ruled out. As more information and details become available, we will update the public accordingly.
As we prepare for the 2024 Mardi Gras, Thibodaux Chief of Police Bryan Zeringue has some important information to share with our community partners about this year’s Mardi Gras parades.
Krewe of Shaka – 2-4-24 @ 12:30 PM
Krewe of Ambrosia – 2-4-24 @ 2:00 PM
Krewe of Cleophas – 2-11-24 @ 12:30 PM
Krewe of Chronos – 2-11-24 @ 2:00 PM (Immediately Following Cleophas)
Krewe of Ghana – 2-13-24 @ 1:00 PM (Fat Tuesday)
The Krewe’s of Shaka, Ambrosia, Cleophas & Chronos will all start and end at Nicholls State University. Parades will start on Audubon Ave. at Afton St. proceeding north. Turn left onto Menard St. headed west. Turn right onto Canal Blvd. headed north until W.2nd St., then turn left onto W.2nd St. Proceed onto La.1 to Jackson St. South on Jackson St. Turn left onto W. 9th St headed east to Canal Blvd. Turn left on Canal Blvd. then right onto E. 7th St headed east. Turn right onto Bayou Ln. traveling south and continue to N. Acadia Rd. Turn left onto N. Acadia Rd. and continue east to Audubon Ave. At Audubon Ave. turn left and continue north to Nichols State University ending at John L. Guidry Stadium.
Total Distance- 3.8 miles
The Krewe of Ghana will start on Iris St. @M.L.K. Park west to Rock St. Turn left on Rock St., then right on School St. School St. to Canal Blvd., then right and immediately onto St. Charles St. headed north. Turn left on Menard St. to Canal Blvd. then right up to W.2nd St. Turn left on W.2nd St. headed west to La. 1. La 1. To Jackson St., then left south on Jackson St. Turn left onto W. 9th St. and continue east to Canal Blvd. Turn left onto Canal Blvd. and continue to E. 7th St. Once on E. 7th St., turn right onto St. Charles St. and travel south to Gerald T. Peltier. At Gerald T. Peltier turn left and continue east to S. Acadia Rd. Parade will disperse at M.L.K. Blvd.
Like years past, Peltier Park will be open and the public is highly encouraged to take advantage of this family oriented area. We would like to remind our community partners that campers will be limited to parking lots only on Peltier Park Property/Grounds. In addition, glass containers will not be allowed on any City Property along the parade route, including Peltier Park and all City Property that boards it. For further direction on glass containers related to the parade route inside the City Limits of Thibodaux, the City Ordinance pertaining to this section is attached.
It shall be unlawful for any person to use or possess any type of glass container within a distance of five hundred (500) feet of a carnival parade route, two (2) hours prior, during, and one (1) hour following a carnival parade. This section excludes businesses, private residences, and private property that are not burdened with a public right-of-way, located within this defined area.
(Ord. No. 2163, 9-2-03)
Cleanup of all trash and/or food and seafood is expected. Garbage containers will be placed throughout the route and are expected to be used not only at Peltier Park, but also on the entire route.
We would like to remind our community partners to only park in designated areas throughout the route. There will be marked “NO PARKING” signs displayed along the entire route. We also ask all parade goers to lock their vehicles and remove all valuables when leaving their vehicle unattended.
We remind parents and adults to monitor their children closely. If something falls short of the barricade, do not put a child or yourself over the barricade to try to approach a moving float.
The Thibodaux Police Department will be assisted by other Law Enforcement Agencies during this Mardi Gras season, to help with logistical and safety measures. If alcohol is in your plans, please be sure to designate someone who is sober to be the designated driver. With assistance from numerous outside Agencies, Chief Bryan Zeringue assures the public that we will be utilizing every asset available to cover traffic points, bicycle patrol and floating perimeter units.
Underage drinking will be strictly enforced along the route and at the after parties. Remember, glass containers are prohibited along the parade route and on all City Streets and City right-of-ways.
Pedestrians will be allowed to gather on the median of Canal Boulevard, but no vehicles will be allowed to be parked there. No vendors will be allowed on City Streets and City right-of-ways. Lafourche Parish School Board Property will be closed and fenced off to prohibit parking, loitering and/or gathering of pedestrians per their request.
Safety Tips:
DON’T park along the posted routes, in front of driveways, fire hydrants, or anywhere you would not normally be allowed to park. And be sure to lock your vehicle!
Keep your children close, and don’t let them wander off. Be sure that they know to stay behind the parade barricades.
Remember, the Neutral Ground (median) is public property, and it is illegal to block off areas for private use.
Glass containers are prohibited along parade routes.
Don’t ever try to rush out into the middle of the parade route to grab beads.
Travel together, communicate where you are going, and try to designate a meeting spot with friends and family.
Chief Zeringue encourages all parade goers to enjoy the festivities, but utilize all safety precautions. Lock your vehicles and hide and/or remove valuables from plain view. Watch for pedestrians, cyclists, and other motorists. Don’t let anyone who is impaired drive or walk alone.
Chief Zeringue and the Thibodaux Police Department wishes everyone a safe and Happy Mardi Gras Season!
Thibodaux Chief of Police Bryan Zeringue is pleased to announce that the Thibodaux Police Department will be participating in the Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over campaign beginning February 2nd, 2024 and ending on February 13th, 2024. This campaign is centered around the Mardi Gras season and is funded by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration and the Louisiana Highway Safety Commission.
By utilizing the Louisiana Highway Safety Grant, Thibodaux Police Officers will be assigned to saturation patrols with the goal of keeping our families safe as they travel on the roadway during the Mardi Gras Season.
Chief Zeringue wants to remind all drivers who are suspected of DWI if they refuse to submit to a breathalyzer test, they will lose their driver’s license for one year (first offense). For a second offense, the penalty increases to two years. Anyone convicted of a DWI offense while their driver’s license is suspended because of another DWI offense will face automatic prison time. The City of Thibodaux falls within Lafourche Parish, which is a “No Refusal” parish, meaning if a driver suspected DWI refuses a breathalyzer test, officers will seek a search warrant to have that person’s blood tested.
Chief Zeringue and the Thibodaux Police Department would like to offer a few safety tips to keep you and your loved ones safe.
Never drive if you have had anything containing alcohol to drink
Even legal medication can make you unfit to drive safely. A few of those medications are tranquilizers, narcotic pain pills, sleep medicines, some antidepressants, cough medicines, antihistamines and decongestants.
Plan a safe way to get home before attending any gatherings.
If you plan to walk home, have a sober friend secure you a cab or uber. Walking impaired is not safe.
If in Thibodaux, report impaired drivers to the Thibodaux Police Department at 985-446-5021 or Dial 9-1-1 in case of an Emergency.
Chief Zeringue and the Thibodaux Police Department would like to thank all of our partners for helping spread the word about the importance of not drinking and driving – even if it is just one drink. Together, we can keep Thibodaux safe and a great place to live. Chief Zeringue and the Thibodaux Police Department wishes everyone a Happy & Safe Mardi Gras Season.
Thibodaux Chief of Police Bryan Zeringue announced that an officer was forced to use lethal force on a loose dog, when the dog attacked and bit the officer on Christmas Day.
On the morning of December 25, 2023 shortly after 10:30 a.m., a Thibodaux Police Department Officer on patrol, pulled up on several vehicles and bystanders on foot in the 600 block of North Canal Boulevard. When the officer observed the lanes of travel to be blocked, he immediately assumed it was a traffic crash. The officer then activated his emergency lights, pulled his police cruiser to the shoulder and attempted to render aid and clear the roadway.
It was at this time that the officer realized that it was in fact not a traffic crash and the bystanders and motorist were trying to corral a loose dog. Realizing that clearing the roadway would not be an option until the dog was secured; the officer turned around and proceeded back to his unit in attempt to place it in the roadway to assist in blocking traffic. The dog, unprovoked then charged toward the officer, at which time it bit and latched onto the officer’s lower buttocks area. As the officer tried to get the dog off him, it released the bite and latched onto the officer’s calf where he was bitten a second time, then again on the other calf for the third time before the officer was able to get away.
The dog then sprinted back across the boulevard eastbound, which allowed the officer time to retreat westbound into the grassy embankment area behind his police cruiser. The dog then ran back westbound crossing the median, where a subject gave chase and continued to try to corral the animal. As the dog circled the front of the police cruiser, it came back in the direction of the officer. The officer then began back peddling, while trying to create distance. As the dog circled around the officer, the officer feared that either the dog would lunge back toward him or the subject trying to corral the dog, not knowing it was the animal’s owner at that time. In fear of the dog attacking again, the officer fired one shot, striking the dog. The dog succumbed from this injury shortly thereafter.
Paramedics arrived to the scene, where the officer was examined and was later brought to a local hospital for treatment. Under the torn uniform pant, the officer sustained a minor abrasion to one calf, a puncture wound and abrasion to the other calf and punctures and severe bruising to the lower buttocks.
Vaccination records were provided on the scene and at the request of the family; the remains of the animal were removed from the scene by the police department.
The Thibodaux Police Department Criminal Investigations Division then conducted a thorough investigation into the incident. Through the investigation, it was confirmed that the loose dog did escape from a nearby neighborhood and was being chased by its owner and other motorists/bystanders.
Based on the entire investigation and evidence provided, Detectives deemed the actions taken by the officer are not only reasonable, but are in accordance with all Thibodaux City Ordinances, Louisiana State Laws and the Thibodaux Police Department Policy and Procedure. Due to the nature of the incident not meeting Thibodaux Police Department criteria to involve an outside agency, no additional investigations were conducted.
To elaborate, Detectives learned that although not required, the officer did attempt to go to a less lethal option (OC Spray), but wind conditions prevented. The officer ultimately resulted in justifiably using deadly force instead, after being bitten three times. The officer’s use of the service weapon was deemed to be in a safe, downward direction, with the ground being the object beyond the dog. The officer’s actions of stopping the threat were deemed intentional, but legal as under applicable law. Use of Force Policy allows officers to go to the appropriate level of force deemed necessary by the situation.
Verification of vaccination records led Detectives to securing two separate search warrants at local Veterinarian Clinics. The first clinic confirmed for Detectives that the vaccination records for the (8 YOA) Labrador Mix (Golden/Male) were in-fact up to date as of August 2023, however the Veterinarian advised that was the only record on file with that office. This led Detectives to the second Veterinarian Clinic in question. The second Veterinarian advised that the office was familiar with the dog in question. The Doctor advised that the office had only seen the dog once in March of 2023. The Veterinarian and the records indicated the dog records were labeled with an alert “WB” (WILL BITE). The notes went on to say “Bit me in the office, Became very aggressive, Recommended removal from home, Dog is a danger if not careful, I do not take what I said lightly”. The Veterinarian elaborated by saying the dog seemed fine in the exam room and showed no signs of being aggressive during the initial examination, but said it was as if the dog flipped a switch when the Doctor stepped out and re-entered the room, as the dog immediately attacked and bit the Doctor. The Veterinarian recommended to the owner to get rid of the dog and definitely would not leave this dog alone in a room with children. The Doctor further explained that the fact that the dog’s temperament changed so abruptly like that with no previous indications, points to the obvious safety issue in the home. The Doctor further told Detectives that the dog’s behavior resulted in the refusal of any future visits for that animal, at that clinic.
Although we as a department never take pride in taking the life of an animal, we are expected to protect the life of the public and ourselves if/when a situation ever arises. Our agency has offered our condolences to the affected family, while working with them through their grieving process. Taking into consideration the unfortunate situation and loss to the family, a citation pertaining to the City of Thibodaux Leash Law Ordinance was not issued.
Chief Zeringue would like to take this time to address the 19-second social-media video that went viral following the incident. In today’s society, it is very easy to get miss-led by a false narrative or partial video posted to social media. Unfortunately, in this case as well as many other situations, the entire incident contained vital information that was not seen in the 19-second clip captured by the cellular device. As we understand everyone can exercise their First Amendment right and form their own opinion, we encourage the public to wait until facts of the investigation are released. Taking to social media with presumptive information of what and why you assume something happened, can falsely diminish the public’s opinion of people involved in the investigation.
In addition, Chief Zeringue would like to remind our community partners that the Thibodaux Police Department cannot use a comment on social media as an official statement nor a factual statement of that person, due to not being able to verify if they were actually the person posting the statement. Through this investigation, we have learned there were countless alleged “witnesses” to the incident, but most of which did not come forward. As we understand that public perception and opinion may not always agree with the factual evidence and legal actions taken by the Thibodaux Police Department, we do want to remind our community partners that our social media outlets are considered a legal public forum, which reserves the right to remove information posted by anyone who violates the terms of use. The agency also reserves the right to remove and/or block anyone who posts inappropriate or offensive material as determined by the department.
As we move forward into this New Year, we would like to thank all the supporters of our agency and law enforcement in general, while we continue to ensure our officers’ serve the community with utmost respect and professionalism. We could only hope that this incident serves as a reminder to the public that any officer from this point forward should be afforded the opportunity of a thorough investigation and explanation of facts before degrading the officer with slander and defamation.
Thibodaux Chief of Police Bryan Zeringue is pleased to announce that the Thibodaux Police Department will be participating in the Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over campaign beginning December 15th, 2023 and ending on January 1st, 2024. This campaign falls within both Christmas & New Years and is funded by the Louisiana Highway Safety Commission and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
Utilizing the Louisiana Highway Safety grant, Thibodaux Police Officers will be assigned to saturation patrols during the wave. The goals of these enforcement efforts are to keep our families safe as they travel on the roadway during this holiday season.
Chief Zeringue wants to remind all drivers that motorists suspected of DWI who refuse to submit to a breathalyzer test will lose their driver’s license for one year (first offense). For a second offense, the penalty increases to two years. Anyone convicted of a DWI offense while their driver’s license is suspended because of another DWI offense will face automatic prison time. The City of Thibodaux falls within Lafourche Parish, which is a “No Refusal” parish, meaning if a suspected drunk driver refuses a breathalyzer test, officers will seek a search warrant to have that person’s blood tested.
Chief Zeringue and the Thibodaux Police Department would like to offer a few safety tips to keep you and your loved ones safe.
Never drive if you have had anything containing alcohol to drink.
Even legal medication can make you unfit to drive safely. A few of those medications are tranquilizers, narcotic pain pills, sleep medicines, some antidepressants, cough medicines, antihistamines and decongestants.
Plan a safe way to get home before attending any small gatherings away from home.
If you plan to walk home, have a sober friend secure you a cab or uber. Walking impaired is not safe.
If in Thibodaux, report impaired drivers to the Thibodaux Police Department at 985-446-5021 or Call 9-1-1.
Chief Zeringue and the Thibodaux Police Department would like to thank all of our partners for helping spread the word about the importance of not drinking and driving – even if it is just one drink. Together, we can keep Thibodaux safe and a great place to live.
Thibodaux Chief of Police Bryan Zeringue announced the arrest of Cance Mitchell Jr. (B/M, 19) of Gray, La. & Montrell Williams (B/M, 19) of Houma, La. Both suspects were charged with 4-counts of Simple Burglary of a Motor Vehicle (Felony) and 1-count of Theft of a Motor Vehicle (Felony).
On the night of November 14, 2023, the Thibodaux Police Department received reports in the Acadia Plantation community of several vehicle burglaries and a stolen vehicle from a residence. Thibodaux Police Investigators were able to identify one of the suspects involved, 19 year old Cance Mitchell Jr. With assistance from detectives with the Lafourche Parish Sheriff’s Office and Terrebonne Parish Sheriff’s Office, investigators were able to locate and arrest Mitchell in Gray, LA. Through further investigation investigators learned the identity of a second subject involved, 19 year old Montrell Williams. Again, with assistance from Terrebonne Parish Detectives and Special Services personnel, Williams was taken into custody in the Ashland area and the stolen vehicle was recovered as well.
Both subjects are currently being held at the Lafourche Parish Correctional Complex with a $100,000.00 bond each. Chief Bryan Zeringue would like to thank the Lafourche Parish Sheriff’s Office and the Terrebonne Parish Sheriff’s Office for their assistance in this investigation.
Chief Zeringue would like to take this time to also urge our community partners to ensure all property and vehicles are locked and secured when left unattended. We are finding that majority of the burglary related complaints we are handling, result in the victimized party leaving their automobiles unlocked with valuables and weapons inside. We also have noticed a trend of vehicle keys and key fobs being left inside the unsecured vehicles. As always, we encourage our community partners if you see or witness any type of criminal activity or anything suspicious or out the ordinary, please contact the Thibodaux Police Department at (985) 446-5021. “Locking your vehicles and removing any valuables can go a long way in the protection of your property, especially during the holiday season,” said Chief Zeringue. “Many burglars are looking for unlocked, easy targets.”
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