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.”
Thibodaux Chief of Police Bryan Zeringue announced that by utilizing a National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) / Louisiana Highway Safety Commission Grant (LHSC), the Thibodaux Police Department will be participating in a Click It or Ticket It Traffic Safety Campaign within the City Limits of Thibodaux beginning Saturday, November 18th, and lasting until Saturday, November 25th.
Thibodaux Police Officers, who are not scheduled to work normal duty, will be assigned to this wave at various times of the day and night during the wave. Officers will be conducting saturation patrol each day in search of motorists and occupants not wearing seatbelts.
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), 42,795 people died in motor vehicle traffic crashes in 2022. So what can we do to decrease this number? Buckle Up!
Chief Zeringue and all of us at the Thibodaux Police Department would like to thank all of our partners for helping spread the word about the importance of wearing a seatbelt.
Thibodaux Chief of Police Bryan Zeringue is proud to announce that the Louisiana Highway Safety Commission (LHSC) / National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has graciously awarded the Thibodaux Police Department Traffic Safety Enforcement Grants for the next year dating from November 2023 – November 2024.
Thibodaux Police Officers, who are not scheduled to work normal duty, can/will be assigned to various waves throughout the year, ranging from seatbelt/child passenger safety to D.W.I. enforcement. These activities can and will be enforced during both daytime and nighttime waves, some of which will be centered around specific holidays.
Chief Zeringue and all of us at the Thibodaux Police Department would like to remind our community partners of the importance of properly restraining yourself and loved ones in a motor vehicle, as well as the importance of sober driving. We wish everyone as safe and happy holidays as we gear up to close out 2023 and eagerly await 2024.
Thibodaux Chief of Police Bryan Zeringue announced that increased patrol efforts are scheduled for Halloween (Tuesday, October 31, 2023, 6:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.) in the City Limits of Thibodaux, in order to help keep trick-or-treaters safe. Officers will patrol with their blue/cruise lights activated to remind motorists to drive slowly and exercise extreme caution as children take to the streets. Parents and adults are encouraged to keep a close watch for all children and report any incidents or suspicious activity to any visible officer or by contacting the Thibodaux Police Department at (985) 446-5021. In case of an Emergency, Dial 9-1-1.
Chief Zeringue would like to offer some helpful safety tips to our community partners and their children, while they enjoy the Halloween festivities. “Hay-Ride” events are prohibited and we ask that you please avoid congregating in the beds of pickup trucks and/or on trailers pulled by ATV’s.
Halloween Safety
Everyone loves a good scare on Halloween, but not when it comes to child safety. There are several easy and effective behaviors that parents can share with kids to help reduce their risk of injury.
Hard Facts
On average, children are more than twice as likely to be hit by a car and killed on Halloween than on any other day of the year.
Top Tips
Decorate costumes and bags with reflective tape or stickers and, if possible, choose light colors. Since masks can sometimes obstruct a child’s vision, try non-toxic face paint and makeup whenever possible. Have kids use glow sticks or flashlights to help them see and be seen by drivers. Children under the age of 12 should not be alone at night without adult supervision. If kids are mature enough to be out without supervision, remind them to stick to familiar areas that are well lit and trick-or-treat in groups with preferably immediate family members.
City of Thibodaux trick-or-treating hours are from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. so be especially alert for kids during those hours.
When selecting a costume make sure it is the right size to prevent trips and falls.
Trick or Treaters
Kids should try to stay in small groups of immediate family with a responsible adult, or teen accompanying each group. At least one person in the group should carry a flashlight in case it begins to get dark.
Try to stay on well-lighted streets and do not go to homes that are not well lit.
Never enter a stranger’s house even if invited and never take a ride from a stranger.
Use sidewalks when possible. Always Walk! Never run across yards. Look both ways before crossing streets.
Treats
Never eat treats from trick-or-treating until they are examined by a parent.
Check wrappers of pre-packaged treats for signs of tampering and throw away anything unwrapped.
If harmful items are found, notify your local law enforcement agency.
Parties
Always know who is sponsoring the activity and how long it will last.
Older children may wish to help supervise instead of trick-or-treating.
Keep any paper decorations well away from heat or flames.
Costumes
Wear comfortable street shoes. Avoid big, floppy shoes.
Trick-or-treat bags and buckets should have handles to keep arms free.
Bags should be easy to carry and should not drag on the ground.
Carry-along props should be made of Styrofoam or cardboard with no sharp points.
Hats, wigs, or beards should be secure and out of eyes. Parents
Avoid encouraging children to enter a stranger’s house. Never invite trick-or-treaters into your home.
Give self-wrapped, homemade treats only to children you know, and wrapped commercial treats to others.
Know the supervising adult and friends your children may be with, and exactly what route they will be taking.
Try not to leave your home unattended on Halloween Night.
Leave a porch light on, so children will know it’s okay to visit your home.
Keep pets inside the house, garage, or shed.
Use flashlights or LED Candles in Jack-lanterns, opposed to using a fire lit candle.
Weather
If rain gear is needed, please be cautious of others upon using an umbrella. If roadways are wet, please wear nonskid shoes, to prevent any slipping hazards.
Chief Zeringue and the Thibodaux Police Department would like to wish everyone a Happy & Safe Halloween. Chief Zeringue added that “Safety is priority. Although we all want to share a good time with the kids, we must come together as a community to ensure public safety. Intensified patrols will be conducted throughout the community, but it is vital that adults assist with keeping our children safe”.
Thibodaux Chief of Police Bryan Zeringue announced the arrest of a Juvenile (B/M, 13), of Thibodaux, LA for Aggravated Assault With A Firearm (Felony), Unlawful Disruption of the Operation of a School (Felony) & Illegal Possession of a Handgun by a Juvenile (Felony).
On Friday, October 6th, 2023, members of the Thibodaux Police Department were assisting the Lafourche Parish Sheriff’s Office with security at the Thibodaux High School vs Hahnville High School Football Game being played in Thibodaux High Stadium at 1355 Tiger Drive.
Shortly before 8:30 p.m., several Officers and Deputies assigned to the home side (west) were on foot below the stadium. At this time, law enforcement heard approximately 5-6 gunshots, coming from what appeared to be outside the west side of the stadium.
As law-enforcement began to investigate the shots and word started to travel, patrons, players and staff began to exit the stadium in a disorderly fashion. Out of an abundance of caution, the Lafourche Parish Sheriff’s Office in collaboration with the Lafourche Parish School Board/School Officials then made a decision to suspend play and all players and spectators left the area.
Following the report of shots fired, there was a medical incident involving a student-athlete. This incident was unrelated to the reported shots. There were no injuries of anyone at the football game related to the reported shots.
Thibodaux Police Officers and Lafourche Parish Deputies working the game then immediately exited to the parking lot, where they were joined by Thibodaux Police Department Patrol Officers and members of our Thibodaux Police Department Housing Authority Division who were patrolling the perimeter of the school grounds.
Through a joint collaboration between the Thibodaux Police Department and the Lafourche Parish Sheriff’s Office, law enforcement was unable to locate a crime scene, victim, suspect or any property damage that night. The Thibodaux Police Department Criminal Investigations Division, along with the Thibodaux Police Department Housing Authority Division then began a week and a half long investigation resulting in the arrest of the 13-year-old juvenile.
The investigation revealed that a fight took place between two groups of juveniles in the parking lot of the stadium near Tiger Dr. Following the physical fight, one group involved left school grounds and were joined near the intersection of Tiger Drive and Bobby Street by a subject (13 year old) not involved in the previous fight. Members of the second half of the fight were also leaving school grounds when shots were fired at them by the 13 year old suspect. The shooter then fled the area. The targets of the shooting did not remain on scene and were later identified by detectives. A crime scene was later found where evidence of the crime was recovered. Based on evidence through the investigation the 13 year old was identified and apprehended without incident on today (October 18, 2023).
The incident remains under investigation and investigators are not ruling out future arrests. Suspected motive is being withheld at this time, in attempt to protect the integrity of the investigation. As more information and details become available, we will update the public accordingly.
Thibodaux Police Chief Zeringue would like to thank the Lafourche Parish Sheriff’s Office for their assistance, specifically Thibodaux High’s School Resource Officer who assisted throughout the entire investigation. Chief Zeringue would also like to commend the public for coming forward with vital information regarding the incident, whether it was directly to the department or through Bayou Region Crime Stoppers.
The charged juvenile is currently incarcerated at the Lafourche Parish Juvenile Justice Center, pending future court proceedings.
Thibodaux Police Chief Bryan Zeringue reported detectives have arrested a second suspect in a January 2023 Homicide that claimed the life of Roderick Johnson. The homicide took place in the 800 block of Narrow Street shortly before midnight on January 8, 2023. Days after the incident on January 12, 2023, Carl Shelvin (B/M, 28), of Gray, La was arrested for Second Degree Murder (Felony) related to the case. A second suspect identified as Kevinontae Ross was named in the case and has remained at large since the incident occurred.
This evening, members of the Thibodaux Police Department Criminal Investigations Division along with an abundant amount of assistance from the Terrebonne Parish Sheriff’s Office, was able to follow leads and successfully locate and arrest of Kevinontae Ross (B/M, 29), of Houma, La at a residence in Terrebonne Parish. Mr. Ross was booked into the Terrebonne Parish Criminal Justice Complex as a Fugitive and later transported to the Lafourche Parish Correctional Complex by the Thibodaux Police Department for Second Degree Murder (Felony) No Bond.
Chief Zeringue would like to thank Sheriff Timothy Soignet and the Terrebonne Parish Sheriff’s Office for their vital assistance in this investigation and apprehension.
For weeks, the Thibodaux Police Department Criminal Investigations Division has been investigating the report of a runaway juvenile. Through this investigation, Detectives discovered an unrelated murder plot, which sparked a second investigation. On Wednesday, September 27, 2023, the Thibodaux Police Department Criminal Investigations Division made progress in what has been a lengthy ongoing investigation. Both Donald Mathews and Brock McLaughlin who were found to be connected to the murder plot were arrested. Mr. Mathews was apprehended by the Thibodaux Police Department S.W.A.T. Team inside the City Limits of Thibodaux and Mr. McLaughlin was apprehended in Terrebonne Parish by the Terrebonne Parish Sheriff’s Office. Both subjects are currently being held at the Lafourche Parish Correctional Complex. Chief Zeringue would like to thank Sheriff Timothy “Tim” Soignet and his agency for the assistance thus far in the investigation.
The incident remains under investigation and investigators are not ruling out future arrests and/or additional charges. Suspected motive is still being withheld at this time, in attempt to protect the integrity of the investigation. As more information and details become available, we will update the public accordingly.
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