Lafourche Parish Sheriff's Office

Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over This Holiday Season

Sheriff Craig Webre announced the Lafourche Parish Sheriff’s Office is joining other local law enforcement agencies in participating in the national Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over campaign which will take place December 15, 2023 runs through January 1, 2024. The campaign is coordinated and funded by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration and the Louisiana Highway Safety Commission.

During the campaign, deputies will conduct an occupant protection checkpoint on the evening of Tuesday, December 19, 2023. 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 such as impaired driving. These checkpoints are designed to help raise awareness for these types of violations and make the highways of the parish safer for all motorists.

Throughout the Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over campaign, additional deputies will be assigned to saturated patrol efforts to target impaired drivers and help keep motorists safe.

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, about 37 people in the United States die each day in drunk-driving crashes. That’s one person every 39 minutes. In 2021, 13,384 people died in alcohol-impaired driving traffic deaths — a 14% increase from 2020. These deaths were all preventable.

Sheriff Craig Webre reminds citizens to have a plan to get home safely before deciding to drink. Never drive if you have had anything to drink containing alcohol. Remember that driving under the influence of illegal narcotics can also lead to a DWI arrest. In fact, some legal medications can impair your ability to drive. Always read warning labels and instructions on prescription and over-the-counter medications.

Sheriff Webre also thanks citizens for their cooperation and patience when passing through these checkpoints and for recognizing the importance of raising awareness for safety issues.

RUNAWAY TEEN: Kennedy Semien

Lafourche Parish Sheriff Craig Webre is asking for the public’s help in locating 15-year-old Kennedy Semien of Thibodaux. She was last seen getting into a dark-colored Chevrolet Tahoe at Thibodaux High School shortly after 11 a.m. on December 6, 2023.

Semien is described as 5’3” tall, weighing approximately 120 pounds with black hair. She was last seen wearing her school uniform (white shirt and khaki pants) with a red jacket. Anyone with information on her whereabouts is asked to call the Lafourche Parish Sheriff’s Office at (985) 532-2808, or simply dial 911.

Another Free Hunter Education Field Day Added in December

The Lafourche Parish Sheriff’s Office will host a FREE Hunter Education Field Day on Thursday, December 21, 2023. The Field Day will occur from 5:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. at the LPSO Shooting Range at 3451 Highway 182 in Raceland. The Field Day is recommended for those ages 14 or older, and participants must have completed the home study course.

As an alternative to the traditional two-day classroom course, the 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) 449-4481 weekdays from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., or email Captain Kevin Johnson at kevin-johnson@lpso.net.

UPDATE: Additional Charges and Arrests for Boat Theft in Gheens

Lafourche Parish Sheriff Craig Webre announced a total of three men have now been charged in the investigation into a boat stolen from a Gheens residence in November 2023. Harly Walker, Jr., 44, of Raceland was previously arrested in the case and was arrested again on new charges. Chaz Rodrigue, 35, and Donny Richard, 34, both of Raceland have also been charged in the investigation.

Deputies opened an investigation on November 17, 2023, after a boat was stolen from behind a Gheens residence. The next day, the stolen boat was located in a bayou in Raceland and recovered by LPSO Water Patrol deputies. The trailer, motor, and a toolbox from the boat were found nearby on Walker’s property. Investigators also found a stolen firearm at his residence. Walker was arrested and charged with illegal possession of a stolen firearm and stolen things. He was booked into the Lafourche Parish Correctional Complex on November 18 and was released on November 20 after posting $50,000 bond.

As the investigation continued, detectives obtained additional evidence linking Walker to the theft itself, along with evidence linking Rodrigue and Richard to the crime. After obtaining arrest warrants, Walker was arrested again on November 22, and booked on new charges including principal to felony theft and misdemeanor theft. This time, he was released with an ankle monitor after posting $30,000 bond on the new charges. Meanwhile, Richard was also arrested on November 22 and charged with possession of stolen things. He remains at the Correctional Complex. Bail is set at $25,000.

Investigators located Chaz Rodrigue on November 30, and he was arrested for his active warrant. He was booked into the Correctional Complex on charges including felony theft and obstruction of justice. Bail is set at $30,000.

– ### –

NOTE: Per Article 234 of the Louisiana Code of Criminal Procedure, booking photos cannot be released for these arrests.

Concealed Carry Course Scheduled for December 9, 2023

The Lafourche Parish Sheriff’s Office has announced a Concealed Handgun Training Course will be held on Saturday, December 9, 2023, at the LPSO Shooting Range Facility located at 3451 Highway 182 in Raceland. The class will begin at 8:00 a.m. and last until approximately 5:00 p.m. with a break for lunch. The actual ending time will vary due to class size.

The course will include the following:

One hour of instruction on handgun nomenclature and safe handling procedures of a revolver and semi-automatic pistol;
One hour of instruction on ammunition knowledge and fundamentals of pistol shooting;
Three hours of instruction on the use of deadly force and conflict resolution (includes a review of R.S. 14:18 through 14:22 and which may include a review of any other laws relating to the use of deadly force);
One hour of instruction on handgun shooting positions;
One hour of instruction on child access prevention;
Two hours of actual live range fire and proper handgun cleaning procedures. Live range fire shall include 12 rounds each at 5 feet, 10 feet, and 15 feet (36 rounds total);
Must perform at least one safe reload of the handgun at each distance; and
Must score 100% hits within the silhouette portion of an NRA B-27 type silhouette target with 36 rounds.

Participants must bring a handgun in good working condition, 50 rounds of ammunition, eye protection (sunglasses or eyeglasses are sufficient), and ear protection (muffs or plugs).

The cost for the course is $110, and a special rate of $55 is offered for seniors (ages 60+). Online registration is required in advance due to the limited class size. This course is a pre-requisite for those applying for a Concealed Handgun Permit from the State of Louisiana. Go to LPSO.net/classes to register for this course online. For more information, contact Captain Kevin Johnson at (985) 449-4481 or by email at kevin-johnson@lpso.net.

Free Hunter Education Field Day Slated for December 14, 2023

The Lafourche Parish Sheriff’s Office will host a FREE Hunter Education Field Day on Thursday, December 14, 2023. The Field Day will occur from 5:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. at the LPSO Shooting Range at 3451 Highway 182 in Raceland. The Field Day is recommended for those ages 14 or older, and participants must have completed the home study course.

UPDATE: Raceland Man Arrested after Investigators Locate Stolen Boat

Lafourche Parish Sheriff Craig Webre announced one man has been arrested after finding a boat stolen from a Gheens residence. Harly Walker Jr., 44, of Raceland faces charges including possession of stolen property as the investigation continues.

On Friday, November 17, 2023, deputies responded to a residence in the 200 block of LA Highway 654 in Gheens in reference to the theft of a boat. The 16’ aluminum boat with a Pro-Drive motor was stolen from the backyard of the residence. Security camera video from nearby residences showed what appeared to be an ATV on the property around 1:15 a.m. with a subject on foot walking in the backyard around 1:30 a.m.

On Saturday, November 18, the stolen boat was located in a bayou in Raceland and recovered by LPSO Water Patrol deputies. The trailer was also found nearby on property belonging to Walker. Deputies made contact with Walker at his residence and also found the stolen motor on another boat on his property. A toolbox, that had also been on the stolen boat, was also found on Walker’s property. Through further investigation, deputies found a firearm at Walker’s residence that had also been reported stolen in a separate incident.

Walker was arrested and charged with illegal possession of stolen things and illegal possession of a stolen firearm. He was booked into the Lafourche Parish Correctional Complex in Thibodaux. Bail is set at $50,000.

The investigation is continuing, and investigators say additional arrests are possible.

Investigators Seeking Information on Boat Stolen in Gheens

Lafourche Parish Sheriff Craig Webre announced a reward is being offered for information leading to the arrest of the person or persons responsible for stealing a boat from a Gheens residence.

On Friday, November 17, 2023, deputies responded to a residence in the 200 block of LA Highway 654 in Gheens in reference to the theft of a boat. The 16’ aluminum boat with a Pro-Drive motor was stolen from the backyard of the residence at some point overnight. Through investigation, including searching security camera video of nearby residences, deputies observed what appeared to be an ATV on the property around 1:15 a.m. with a subject on foot walking in the backyard around 1:30 a.m.

Investigators are seeking the public’s help to solve this crime. Anyone with information on this incident is asked to submit a tip anonymously through Bayou Region Crime Stoppers by phone at 1-800-743-7433, online at CrimeStoppersBR.org, or through the Bayou Tips app on mobile devices. Tipsters could be eligible for a reward of up to $1,000 in cash if the information leads to an arrest.

Sheriff Webre Announces Plan for “Click It or Ticket” for Thanksgiving Week

Sheriff Craig Webre announced the Lafourche Parish Sheriff’s Office will join other local law enforcement agencies in participating in the Click-It or Ticket campaign which runs from November 18-25, 2023. This campaign is coordinated and funded by the Louisiana Highway Safety Commission and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

During the busy Thanksgiving week, millions of Americans will hit the roads, eager to spend time with family and friends. It is one of the busiest travel times of the year, and it is important to follow critical safety practices when traveling, like wearing a seat belt.

During the campaign, additional deputies will be assigned to saturated patrol efforts, and there will be checkpoints held in conjunction with the campaign. During the checkpoints, deputies will be checking motorists for seat belt and safety seat violations, as well as other violations.

Click It or Ticket is a seat belt enforcement campaign aimed at increasing the national seat belt usage rate. In the last decade, seat belts saved the lives of more than 100,000 people in the United States. Sheriff Craig Webre asks for patience and cooperation when passing through these checkpoints and for recognizing the importance of raising awareness for safety issues.

LPSO Now Accepting Names of Children in Need for 30th Annual Bicycle Giveaway

Sheriff Craig Webre announced the Lafourche Parish Sheriff’s Office is now accepting names of children in need for the Lafourche Parish Sheriff’s Office’s 30th annual Christmas Bicycle Giveaway. Since 1992, more than 5,200 bicycles have been distributed to families in need in our area, including 200 in 2022 alone.

All requests must be completed by Wednesday, December 7, 2023. Requests can be submitted online at LPSO.net/BikeGiveaway.

Due to high demand each year, requests should be limited to no more than two bicycles per household/family, and children must live in Lafourche Parish. LPSO will make every effort to fulfill all requests, but not every person requesting a bike will receive one. Families will be informed if they were selected on the date of delivery.

Donations from the public will assist in helping to fulfill these requests. Monetary donations and donations of new bikes are currently being accepted at all LPSO office locations. Monetary donations are accepted in the form of cash, money orders, or checks made payable to the Lafourche Deputies Association with the words “Bike Giveaway” in the memo line. Bicycles and monetary donations may be dropped off at any Lafourche Parish Sheriff’s Office location throughout the parish.