Lafourche Parish Sheriff's Office

Plans Announced for Labor Day 2021 Driver Sober or Get Pulled Over Campaign

Lafourche Parish Sheriff Craig Webre announced plans for the Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over campaign which runs from August 20 through September 6, 2021, centered around the Labor Day holiday. The campaign is coordinated and funded by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration and the Louisiana Highway Safety Commission.

As part of the campaign efforts, the Lafourche Parish Sheriff’s Office will assign additional deputies to saturated patrol efforts to target impaired drivers and help keep motorists safe. Additionally, LPSO deputies will conduct a seat belt checkpoint and a DWI checkpoint. A seat belt checkpoint will be conducted during the evening hours of August 27, 2021. A DWI checkpoint will also begin during the evening hours of August 27, 2021, and continue into the early morning hours of the following day.

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

Sheriff Webre reminds everyone to designate a driver if you are going to drink. Have a plan on how you will arrive home BEFORE you leave home.

Detectives Investigating Saturday Shooting Incident on LA Highway 182 in Raceland

Lafourche Parish Sheriff Craig Webre is asking for the public’s help in an investigation into a shooting incident that occurred on LA Highway 182 early Saturday morning. There were no injuries in the shooting.

At 3:30 a.m. on August 14, 2021, deputies responded to a 911 call of someone shooting at vehicles traveling eastbound on LA Highway 182. One vehicle, being driven by a Lockport woman, was struck on the driver’s side resulting in a shattered window, a flat tire, and damage from the rounds. A second vehicle, being driven by a New Orleans man, was struck in a tire resulting in a flat. Detectives believe the shots came from a person in a vehicle parked in the median on LA 182.

Detectives are asking the public for help on this investigation. Tips can be submitted anonymously through Crime Stoppers Bayou Region by phone at 1-800-743-7433, online at www.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.

Rape Aggression Defense Course to be Held in Raceland in September

Sheriff Craig Webre announced the Lafourche Parish Sheriff’s Office will host a Rape Aggression Defense (R.A.D.) course on September 20 and 21, 2021, at the LPSO Shooting Range Facility located at 3451 Highway 182 in Raceland.

This self-defense course is designed exclusively for women and will take place over the course of both days. The class will begin at 6 p.m. and end around 9:30 p.m. each day. Participants must attend both days, and participants must wear a face covering during class. Due to the current COVID-19 outbreak in our area, we encourage immediate family members to sign up for a class as a pair if possible, but this is not required. Course instruction will be provided by certified R.A.D. instructors from the Lafourche Parish Sheriff’s Office.

The cost of the course is $10 to cover the cost of course materials and is non-refundable. Class size is limited, and advance registration is required. You can register and pay for the course online at www.LPSO.net/classes. The deadline to register for the class is September 17, 2021, at 11 a.m.

For more information, please call Lucie Morvant at (985) 446-2367 or email Lieutenant Kevin Johnson at kevin-johnson@lpso.net.

Teen Charged with Negligent Homicide in Shooting Death of Thibodaux Man

Lafourche Parish Sheriff Craig Webre announced a 15-year-old boy has been charged with negligent homicide in the shooting death of a Thibodaux man on Thursday night. Courtney Poche Jr., 20, died after suffering a gunshot wound to the head. Poche and the teen were found to have been playing with a handgun prior to the incident.

At 11:08 p.m. on August 12, 2021, deputies and detectives responded to a shooting at a residence in the 500 block of Karla Drive in Thibodaux. They discovered Poche with what appeared to be a single gunshot wound to the head. He was later pronounced dead at the scene.

Through investigation, detectives learned Poche and a 15-year-old boy from Thibodaux were playing with a pistol when the gun discharged a single round striking Poche in the head. Detectives learned the two thought the gun was not loaded.

The teen was charged with Negligent Homicide. He was placed at the Juvenile Justice Facility in Thibodaux.

“This is a horrible tragedy, and our hearts go out to Mr. Poche’s family,” said Sheriff Webre. “I encouraged all parents to review firearm safety for themselves and with their children. Remember to keep firearms secure, and it is best to store ammunition in a separate location. Above all else, always treat every firearm as it if is loaded.”

Narcotics Agents Arrest Mid-Level Drug Dealer in the South Lafourche Area

Lafourche Parish Sheriff Craig Webre announced narcotics agents have arrested a man identified as a mid-level drug dealer in the South Lafourche area. Bryce Arabie, 33 of Cut Off faces several charges following his arrest on Friday.

Narcotics agents began an investigation into Arabie in July 2021 which they identified as a major source of supply of methamphetamine, heroin and other drugs in the South Lafourche area. As a result of the investigation, agents secured warrants for his arrest for Distribution of Heroin and Distribution of Methamphetamine. They also obtained a search warrant for Arabie’s residence on East 40th Street in Cut Off.

On August 6, 2021, agents arrived at Arabie’s residence to conduct the search. They located Arabie outside the residence where he was immediately taken into custody on the warrants. During the search of the residence, agents located over 291 grams of methamphetamine, 17 doses of Adderall, 3 doses of Oxycodone, a pistol, and nearly $1,400 in cash.

Arabie was transported to the Lafourche Parish Correctional Complex in Thibodaux. He was booked on the aforementioned warrants. He was additionally charged with Possession with Intent to Distribute Methamphetamine, Possession with Intent to Distribute Adderall, Possession of Oxycodone, Possession of Heroin, Possession of a Firearm in presence of a Controlled Dangerous Substance, and Possession of Drug Paraphernalia. Bail is set at $196,000.

Citizens are reminded that they can report any drug-related or suspicious activity. Information can be reported directly to the Narcotics section commander, Lieutenant Derek Champagne, at (985) 532-4365 or derek-champagne@lpso.net. Information can also be reported anonymously through Crime Stoppers Bayou Region at 1-800-743-7433, online at CrimeStoppersBR.org.

RUNAWAY TEEN: Heaven Carter

UPDATE: Heaven Carter has been found and is safe.

ORIGINAL RELEASE:

Lafourche Parish Sheriff Craig Webre is asking for the public’s help in locating 16-year-old Heaven Carter of East 22nd Street in Larose. She was last seen at her residence at approximately 2 p.m. on Saturday, August 7, 2021.

Heaven Carter is described as 5’6” tall, weighing approximately 120 pounds with brown hair with purple and red color mixed in. She was last seen wearing a blue shirt and black shorts and carrying a backpack. Anyone with information on her whereabouts is asked to call the Lafourche Parish Sheriff’s Office at (985) 532-2808, or simply dial 911.

RUNAWAY TEEN: Maddeline Vargas

UPDATE: Maddeline has been found and is safe.

ORIGINAL RELEASE:

Lafourche Parish Sheriff Craig Webre is asking for the public’s help in locating 12-year-old Maddeline Vargas of Des Allemands. She was last seen at her residence in the 4200 block of U.S. Highway 90 late last night. Her bow and fishing poles were also missing, so it is believed she may have gone fishing but never returned.

Maddeline Vargas is described as 5’4” and weighing approximately 130 pounds with brown hair. She was last seen wearing a purple Mardi Gras shirt, blue jean shorts and sneakers. Anyone with information on her whereabouts is asked to call the Lafourche Parish Sheriff’s Office at (985) 532-2808, or simply dial 911.

Concealed Handgun Course Slated for August 28, 2021

The Lafourche Parish Sheriff’s Office has announced a Concealed Handgun Training Course will be held on Saturday, August 28, 2021, 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 for a total of 36 rounds.
Must perform at least one safe reload of the handgun at each distance.
Must score 100% hits within the silhouette portion of an NRA B-27 type silhouette target with 36 rounds.

Participants will need to bring a handgun in good working condition, 50 rounds of ammunition for that handgun, eye protection (sunglasses or eyeglasses are sufficient), and ear protection (muffs or plugs). All individuals must wear a mask or face covering while in the classroom or the range office. Masks or face coverings are not required on the pistol ranges for those adhering to proper physical distancing.

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 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, please contact Lieutenant Kevin Johnson at (985) 449-4481 or by email at kevin-johnson@lpso.net.

Seat Belt and DWI Checkpoints Slated for August 6, 2021

Sheriff Craig Webre announced the Lafourche Parish Sheriff’s Office will conduct a seat belt checkpoint and a DWI checkpoint on Friday, August 6, 2021, in Lafourche Parish. These checkpoints are designed to help raise awareness for these types of violations and make the highways of the parish safer for all motorists.

A seat belt checkpoint will be conducted Friday evening in Lafourche Parish, and deputies will focus on checking motorists for seat belt and child safety seat violations. A DWI checkpoint will begin Friday evening following the seat belt checkpoint and will continue into the early morning hours of Saturday, August 7. During the DWI checkpoint, deputies will be looking for drivers who are possibly impaired while checking for other traffic safety issues.

Sheriff Webre reminds citizens to designate a driver if you are going to drink. 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. Lafourche Parish is also a “No Refusal” parish, meaning if a suspected drunk driver refuses a breathalyzer test, deputies will seek a search warrant to have that person’s blood tested.

RUNAWAY TEEN: Zack Hunter

Lafourche Parish Sheriff Craig Webre is asking for the public’s help in locating 12-year-old Zack Hunter of West 11th Street in Larose. Hunter was last seen walking on West 11th Street toward LA Highway 3235 at around 12:30 p.m. on Friday, July 30, 2021.

Hunter is described as 5’1” tall, weighing approximately 130 pounds with brown hair. Hunter was last seen wearing a gray sweatpants and a gray sweatshirt with a dark-colored striped shirt underneath. Anyone with information on Hunter’s whereabouts is asked to call the Lafourche Parish Sheriff’s Office at (985) 532-2808, or simply dial 911.