Wanted Suspect Apprehended Following Standoff

Thibodaux Chief of Police Bryan Zeringue announced that an arrest has been made following a standoff.

On Today, November 29, 2022, Tyler Tillman was taken into custody, following a standoff in the 1600 block of Cardinal Drive. Shortly after 11:00 a.m., Officers, Detectives and the Thibodaux Police Department Immediate Response Team responded to this location, after receiving information that Mr. Tillman was in a residence at this specific location. Officers had knowledge that Mr. Tillman was wanted for Contempt of Court on multiple drug, weapon and resisting related charges. Mr. Tillman has been at large for over 6 months, evading capture on the charges totaling a $505,000.00 bond.

Law Enforcement was able to confirm that Mr. Tillman was in fact in the residence and had barricaded himself inside. After several hours of negotiating, Mr. Tillman surrendered himself without incident. A search of the residence rendered the findings of over a quarter pound of suspected marijuana and a powdery substance that will be sent off for testing. A firearm was also found in the attic of the residence, where he gained access into the ceiling of the neighboring duplex in attempt to evade police. Upon entering the neighboring duplex, Mr. Tillman caused damage to the unit.

In addition to the outstanding warrants, Mr. Tillman was charged with Possession with Intent to Distribute Marijuana (Felony), Possession of a Firearm by a Convicted Felon (Felony) and Illegal Carrying of a Weapon in the Presence of a CDS (Felony). Additional bond awaiting to be set). Future charges are expected pending results from the Louisiana State Crime Lab and an estimate for repairs into the damages he caused, as well as an investigation into his accessibility into the neighboring duplex.

Mr. Tillman was charged accordingly and is being held at the Lafourche Parish Correctional Complex.

Rumor Control

Thibodaux Police Chief Bryan Zeringue would like to address a social media post circulating, which is insinuating that there is an “Active gunman on the loose in Thibodaux by the Hospital area”.

Shortly before 3:00 p.m., members of the Thibodaux Police Department did respond to the area of Martin Luther King Park (Audubon Side), after receiving reports of shots fired in the area. Officers did locate several subjects “target shooting” in the brush area. To be clear, there was at NO time an active gunman on the loose. However, after receiving calls regarding the social media post, we feel the need to address this rumor before it escalates any further. The investigators did take action in the matter against the violator, due to it being illegal to discharge a firearm inside the City Limits of Thibodaux.

Chief Zeringue asks our community partners to please refrain from posting information to social media unless it comes from a creditable law enforcement site. False information as such can easily be added to an actual incident or when re-written / shared from someone who “heard” something. However, rather than taking matters into your own hands via social media; we encourage our community partners to contact your respective law enforcement agency with any suspicious activity you may observe or learn about so it can be properly investigated and addressed.

2022 Holiday Safety Tips

Thibodaux Chief of Police Bryan Zeringue would like to offer some quick tips to help you and your families stay safe for the Holiday Season.

• In the car: Colder weather means lots of layers of clothing. But remember, bulkywinter clothes and coats can keep a car seat from doing its job. Instead, cover your child with a thick blanket to stay warm after you’ve securely strapped him or her into the car seat.

• In the kitchen: At Thanksgiving, things are guaranteed to get a little busy. To help keep hot food out of the reach of little hands, be sure that pot handles and other dishes aren’t close to the edge of the counter or table where they could be pulled down by curious kids.

• By the fireplace: If there’s a fireplace in the home, be sure to check that it’s protected by a sturdy screen – and remember that glass screens can take a while to cool down even after the fire has gone out. Ashes should be cool before putting them in a metal container. Keep the container a safe distance away from your home. Have a three-foot “kid-free zone” around open fires and space heaters.

• Utilizing a Space Heater: Heating equipment is a leading cause of home fire deaths. To help prevent a home fire, keep anything that can burn at least three feet away from heating equipment, like the furnace, fireplace, wood stove, or portable space heater. Never use your oven to heat your home. Have a qualified professional install stationary space heating equipment, water heaters or central heating equipment according to the local codes and manufacturer’s instructions. Have heating equipment and chimneys cleaned and inspected every year by a qualified professional. Remember to turn portable heaters off when leaving the room or going to bed. Always use the right kind of fuel, specified by the manufacturer, for fuel burning space heaters.

• Smoke Alarms: Test smoke alarms at least once a month.

• Wherever the medicine is stored: Kids get into medication in all sorts of places, like in purses and nightstands. In fact, in 67 percent of medicine-related ER visits, the medicine was within reach of a child, such as in a purse, left on a counter or dresser, or found on the ground. A good rule of thumb: “Up, up and away.” Keep medications out of reach and out of sight.

• In the room where you sleep: For many of us, holiday travel means we’ll be spending the night away from home. While you might be fine sleeping on the couch or an air mattress, make sure your baby always sleeps in a safe crib, bassinet or pack-n-play.

Chief Zeringue would also like to remind all motorists to “Please do your part as we enter into the holiday season by wearing your seat belt and making accommodations to get home safely if you do plan to be out celebrating.” “Public safety is our number one goal during the upcoming Thanksgiving holiday weekend,” said Chief Zeringue. To reduce traffic incidents, we encourage every motorist to buckle up and drive sober. Thanksgiving should be a time to appreciate family and togetherness, yet far too many preventable injuries and fatalities continue to occur. We strongly suggest to all drivers to obey the speed limit, buckle up and stay off their cell phones when traveling.

Occupant Protection Enforcement Wave Scheduled For Thanksgiving Week

Thibodaux Chief of Police Bryan Zeringue announced that by utilizing a Louisiana Highway Safety Grant, the Thibodaux Police Department will be participating in a Click It or Ticket It wave within the City Limits of Thibodaux beginning Saturday, November 19^th, and lasting until Saturday, November 26^th.

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.

51%, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), is the percentage of passenger vehicle occupants killed in 2020 who were unrestrained. This is a 4% increase since 2019. So what can we do? 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 Police Increase Patrol Efforts and Offer Safety Tips for 2022 City of Thibodaux Halloween Celebrations

Thibodaux Chief of Police Bryan Zeringue announced that increased patrol efforts are scheduled for Halloween (Monday, October 31, 2022, 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 5:30 p.m. to 8:30 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”.

Bicyclist Killed In Thibodaux Crash

On October 15, 2022, shortly before 7:00 pm, the Thibodaux Police Department was notified of a crash later learned to be fatal, involving a bicyclist on LA. Highway 3107 (Talbot Avenue) at the intersection of Oakley Street in the city limits of Thibodaux. The crash claimed the life of 26-year-old Seth Benoit of Thibodaux.

The preliminary investigation revealed Benoit was riding a motorized bicycle south on Oakley Street when he attempted to cross the intersection of LA Hwy 3107 while a 2015 Ford F-150 was traveling west on LA Hwy 3107. For reasons still under investigation, Benoit failed to yield at the intersection, causing a collision where Benoit was ejected from the bicycle into the opposing lane of travel. Benoit was then struck again from the opposite direction by a 2015 Chevrolet Tahoe traveling eastbound on LA Hwy 3107.

Benoit was not wearing a safety helmet at the time of the crash, suffered fatal injuries, and was pronounced dead at the scene. The driver and passengers of the F-150 and Tahoe were properly restrained and suffered no injuries.

A toxicology sample was collected from Benoit and will be submitted for analysis. The driver of the F-150 and Tahoe was not suspected of being impaired and provided a voluntary breath sample that showed no alcohol detected. This crash remains under investigation.

Louisiana state law requires operators of motorized bicycles to be at least 15-years-old, have a valid driver’s license, and wear a safety helmet while riding. Motorized bicycles are also required to have a headlamp and tail lamp and are prohibited from traveling on sidewalks or interstate highways.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  

Adult Suspect Arrested In Ongoing Homicide Investigation Of A Juvenile

Thibodaux Chief of Police Bryan Zeringue announced that a third arrest has been made in the shooting that occurred in early September.

On Saturday, September 10, 2022, shortly before 6:00 p.m., the Thibodaux Police Department responded to a report of someone being shot in the 1700 block of South Barbier Avenue. When Police arrived, they learned that a subject later identified as Jairen Cole (Juvenile Male 15yoa) had been shot in the lower torso area multiple times inside a residence. Mr. Cole was transported to Thibodaux Regional Health System and later transferred to University Medical Center via Air Med, ultimately succumbing to his injuries.

That night, Thibodaux Police Detective’s processed the scene for evidentiary purposes and began working around the clock on the investigation. Through the investigation, a Juvenile Male 15yoa was learned to be a suspect in the shooting. On Tuesday, September 13, 2022, the 15 year old Juvenile Male was taken into custody at the Thibodaux Police Department and charged with 1-Count of Second Degree Murder. The juvenile is still being held at the Lafourche Parish Juvenile Justice Facility, pending further court proceedings.

Through further investigation, another Juvenile Male 12yoa was learned to be a suspect. On Wednesday, September 14, 2022, the 12 year old Juvenile was taken into custody at the Thibodaux Police Department and charged with 1-Count of Principal to Second Degree Murder. The juvenile is still being held at the Lafourche Parish Juvenile Justice Facility, also awaiting future court proceedings.

As the investigation continues, an adult has been named as a third suspect in the case. On today, September 30, 2022, Talisha Duncan (B/F 39yoa) of Thibodaux was taken into custody at the Thibodaux Police Department and was charged with 1-Count of Accessory After the Fact to Second Degree Murder. This charge came after investigators learned of evidence that Ms. Duncan had knowledge to and/or involvement to the crime after it was committed. Ms. Duncan is currently being held at the Lafourche Parish Correctional Complex on a $150,000.00 bond.

The incident still remains under investigation and investigators are not ruling out future arrests. 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.

If you have any further information regarding this incident, please 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.

39th Annual Night Out Against Crime

Thibodaux Chief of Police Bryan Zeringue announced that the Thibodaux Police Department will be participating in the National Night Out Against Crime scheduled for Tuesday, October 4, 2022 from 6 p.m. – 9 p.m. This is the 39th annual nationwide event.

The Thibodaux Family Church & Thibodaux Police Department Housing Authority will host each a site for the event in the City Limits of Thibodaux, and Thibodaux Police Officers along with other first responders will be attending to meet community members to discuss crime prevention and any other concerns. The event will have a K-9 demonstration, free food, games, entertainment and many other activities and fun for the kids. Agencies will also have various fleet equipment available for viewing at the event. The Thibodaux Family Church location (785 N. Canal Boulevard) & the Thibodaux Police Department Housing Authority (1425 Eagle Drive) will be the only two locations available to citizens within the City Limits of Thibodaux. Please come out and share this great partnership between law enforcement and the community.

ABOUT NATIONAL NIGHT OUT:

National Night Out is a yearlong community building campaign designed to heighten crime prevention awareness, generate support and participation in local anti-crime programs, strengthen neighborhood spirit and police-community partnerships, and send a message to criminals letting them know that neighborhoods are organized and fighting back. Approximately 38 million people from more than 16,000 communities across the nation participate in the annual event. The first National Night Out took place on August 7, 1984, and it was introduced by the National Association of Town Watch which continues to spearhead the event today.

Rumor Control

Thibodaux Police Chief Bryan Zeringue would like to address a social media post circulating, which is insinuating that an attempted abduction occurred outside of a local business inside the Thibodaux City Limits on this evening, September 16, 2022. The social media post continued with additional posts insinuating that the van was seen at multiple other businesses inside the City Limits of Thibodaux.

To be clear, members of the Thibodaux Police Department did not respond or receive any report of suspicious actions of a subject approaching someone in the parking lot of a business. However, after receiving calls regarding the social media post, the van in question along with its occupants were located for questioning.

The investigators are treating this as strictly a suspicious call at most and have NO evidence to support there was ever an attempted abduction or crime of any kind that occurred. However, members of the Thibodaux Police Department identified all occupants and the vehicle for documentation purposes.

Chief Zeringue asks our community partners to please refrain from posting information to social media unless it comes from a creditable law enforcement site. False information as such can easily be added to an actual incident or when re-written / shared from someone who “heard” something. However, rather than taking matters into your own hands via social media; we encourage our community partners to contact your respective law enforcement agency with any suspicious activity you may observe or learn about so it can be properly investigated and addressed.

Second Juvenile Suspect Arrested In Weekend Homicide

Thibodaux Chief of Police Bryan Zeringue announced that another arrest has been made in the shooting that occurred over the weekend.

On Saturday, September 10, 2022, shortly before 6:00 p.m., the Thibodaux Police Department responded to a report of someone being shot in the 1700 block of South Barbier Avenue. When Police arrived, they learned that a subject later identified as Jairen Cole (Juvenile Male 15yoa) had been shot in the lower torso area multiple times inside a residence. Mr. Cole was transported to Thibodaux Regional Health System and later transferred to University Medical Center via Air Med, ultimately succumbing to his injuries.

That night, Thibodaux Police Detective’s processed the scene for evidentiary purposes and began working around the clock on the investigation. Through the investigation, a Juvenile Male 15yoa was learned to be a suspect in the shooting. On yesterday, Tuesday, September 13, 2022, the 15 year old Juvenile Male was taken into custody at the Thibodaux Police Department and charged with 1-Count of Second Degree Murder. The juvenile is still being held at the Lafourche Parish Juvenile Justice Facility, awaiting court proceedings.

Through further investigation, another Juvenile Male 12yoa was learned to be a suspect. On today, Wednesday, September 14, 2022, the 12 year old Juvenile was taken into custody at the Thibodaux Police Department and charged with 1-Count of Principle to Second Degree Murder. The juvenile is currently being held at the Lafourche Parish Juvenile Justice Facility, also awaiting court proceedings.

The incident still remains under investigation. 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.

If you have any further information regarding this incident, please 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.