Ville Platte Police Chief Neal Lartigue reports an update on the shots fired incident and arrest. Devin Winzer 23 of 110 Orange Street in Bunkie was arrested last Friday October 26, 2018 and charged with felony aggravated assault with a firearm and possession of a firearm in a school zone and possession of a firearm in the presence of a controlled dangerous substance. In an update, Winzer was transferred to the Evangeline Parish Jail on a $120,000.00 bond. At the time of the incident, as Officers were disarming Winzer, a second suspect climbed into the driver's seat of the suspect vehicle and attempted to flee the area. An Officer gave verbal commands for the driver to stop and as the driver continued to drive away, the Officer pursued the vehicle on foot. The driver then turned the vehicle around struck the Officer. An Evangeline Parish Sheriff's Deputy arrived and after a short pursuit located the vehicle abandoned nearby. On Monday October 29, 2018 Darius R. Smith 18, of 804 Chennauts Street in Bunkie, came to the Ville Platte Police Department to turn himself in and was booked on one count of aggravated battery (felony), one count aggravated flight from an officer (felony), one count driver must be licensed and one count of interfering in law enforcement investigation. Smith was transferred to the Evangeline Parish Jail on a bond totaling $ 107,500.00 set by Judge West. Chief Neal Lartigue reminds everyone to report suspicious or illegal activity by calling the Ville Platte Police Department at 363-1313. Your call will remain anonymous.

The Rotary Club of Ville Platte today (Tuesday) heard from Evangeline Parish Library Director Margie Mealer. She reminded club members that the month of November is "National Writing Month". She urged members to take a few minutes to begin writing. This is to encourage more people to show their writing skills. You can begin by writing about the highlights of the day, or the start of a work of fiction or write memories of your life. This writing project is being encouraged to would -be writers around the world. Club President Peter Strawitz is urging club members to contribute to the Hurricane Florence relief fund. The club's goal is $2000 and half of the goal has been reached. The rotary club has purchased a table for a special event November 15 where the "Philanthropist of the Year" honors will be announced. The parish winners are Rotary Club member Leonard and wife, Mary Alice Fontenot. Club President Peter Strawitz announced that three new members will join the club at the next meeting: Michael Lemoine, Billy Fontenot and Debra Vidrine.

Ville Platte Police Chief Lartigue reports one arrest in incident. On Friday, October 26, 2018 at approximately 7:30 p.m. Officers with the Ville Platte Police Department responded to a report of shots fired on Harvey Lebas Street in Ville Platte. As Officers arrived on Harvey Lebas Street they observed a large crowd gathered in the street. As they approached the crowd, Officers observed a black male exit a white car and as he neared the back of the vehicle, point a handgun towards the crowd of people. As Officers gave verbal commands for the suspect to drop the weapon and the suspect jumped back inside the vehicle. Officers were able to physically remove the suspect from the vehicle and place him under arrest. Devin Winzer 23 of 110 Orange Street in Bunkie was arrested and charged with felony aggravated assault with a firearm and possession of a firearm in a school zone and possession of a firearm in the presence of a controlled dangerous substance. At this time Winzer remains incarcerated in the Ville Platte City Jail awaiting bond. No further information is available at this time as this incident is still under investigation. Chief Neal Lartigue is asking anyone with any information regarding the shots fired call on Harvey Lebas Street last night, to call the Ville Platte Police Department at 363-1313. Your call will remain anonymous.

The Evangeline Parish Public Library was ground zero for the Number One event happening in Evangeline Parish Saturday. The weather was perfect and people parked for blocks around to bring their families to the Library on West Main Street. The Friends of the Library had their annual used book sale with thousands of books selling for pennies on the dollar in the newly dedicated Mary Foster- Galosso multi -purpose room. Buyers brought bags and boxes and walked away with a lot of great bargains. One highlight was the new display of the binders of the Joy Ortego historical collection of newspaper stories, photos and family history to help celebrate the 70th anniversary of the founding of the Library. Members of the family were there visiting with KVPI.. There were book authors, vendors, blood drive, information booths and food booths. The Save Our Souls/Save Our Streets Ministry were there performing live for the crowds. Classic Hits 92.5 KVPI was there early with a live remote interviewing many of the authors and guests.

Early voting for the November 6 Primary election continues through Tuesday at the Registrar of Voter's Office in the Evangeline Parish Courthouse. We had 281 people that voted early Thursday at the Registrar of Voter's office. That brings the total so far 1077. Voters will vote on Secretary of State, Congressman, School Board and Municipal races in Ville Platte, Mamou, Basile and Chataignier as well as six constitutional races.

Stage Coach Road Stabbings Suspect Captured Sheriff Eddie Soileau, of the Evangeline Parish Sheriff's Office has released the following: Friday morning, October 19, 2018 Deputies were dispatched to the area of Bayou One Stop in the Bayou Chicot area. A caller advised of a male subject fitting the description of Kevin L West who was wanted for 3 counts of Aggravated Battery which occurred near the 2400 Block of Stage Coach Road. After a positive identification was made Deputies were able to safely apprehend the subject. Kevin was transported to the Evangeline Parish Jail where he was booked on 3 counts of Aggravated Battery and 1 count of Simple Battery of the Infirm. Kevin L West has been booked in the Evangeline Parish Jail with No Bond awaiting a Gwen's Law Hearing. Warrant of Arrest was signed by 13th Judicial Judge Chuck West. Evangeline Parish Sheriff's Department would like to thank the public for their assistance. As always anyone with information on crimes is asked to contact the Evangeline Parish Sheriff's Office at 337-363-2161. All callers will remain anonymous.

Sheriff Eddie Soileau, of the Evangeline Parish Sheriff’s Office has released the following:

 

One man known as Kevin West (picture below) is wanted for Aggravated Battery on multiple victims from the 2400 Block of Stage Coach Road.

 

Authorities say 31-year old Kevin West of Ville Platte, LA, is facing charges for Aggravated Battery (2 counts) with more charges pending.

 

West allegedly got into a verbal altercation with a family member which turned physical. During the altercation West stabbed 3 family members in various areas of their bodies with what was believed to be some type of kitchen knife as described by one of the victims. Two out of the three victims were rushed to Mercy Regional Medical Center for further treatment. All victims are in stable condition and wounds were not life threatening.

 

Anyone with information on his whereabouts is asked to contact the Evangeline Parish Sheriff’s Office Investigations Division by phone at 337-363-2161. All callers will remain anonymous. Anyone with information on any other crime is also asked to contact the Evangeline Parish Sheriff’s Office Investigation Division.

 

 

 

The Evangeline Parish School Board, Wednesday, approved a new program to partner with law enforcement agencies throughout the parish. Superintendent of Schools Darwan Lazard said the program "Lunch with Law Enforcement"-Evangeline " will provide complimentary lunches for law enforcement officers. The program will operate on the first and third Thursday of each month at all parish public schools. Police Officers including sheriff's deputies, city marshal officers, state police and wildlife agents in uniform or in plain clothes showing their ID will receive the complimentary meal. The purpose , according to the superintendent, will increase a police and security presence on the school campuses. Supervisor Kelli Lafleur discussed the new "Walk Through" forms to be used by school principals to monitor teacher instruction in the classrooms. School principals will use the new electronic forms on their devices and spend some 45 minutes a day; Assistant Superintendent of Schools Michael Lombas said the new forms are another tool to help teachers work smarter. He said it is not meant to be a punitive measure against teachers. In other action the school board: --received a report from Chief Financial Officer Amy Lafleur that sales tax collections for September have increased $44,000 over the same period a year ago; --voted to hold only one meeting a month for the next three months: Nov. 14, Dec. 12 and Jan. 16; --made a special presentation to new school board member, Sheila Joseph representing District 7; --received news that there are 5900 students enrolled this school year, about ten more than last year; --the school board is working with Pine Prairie Energy to raise a $100,000 endowment to help fund Principal and Teacher of the Year awards. The parishwide campaign is urging individuals and businesses to make a donation; --Using a $150,000 grant, the school district will be employing the services of the security firm, Fidelis Corporation to conduct daily and weekly visits at all school sites for safety and security measures. --the French Immersion students at Mamou and Ville Platte Elementary schools will be singing Christmas carols on KLFY TV Ten at Christmas time.

The running of the Tournoi is now in the history books. The special event held Sunday concluding the week long Cotton Festival in Ville Platte. The weather was perfect. One of the best crowds in many years, 272 people, were in attendance. New Master of Ceremonies Clerk of Court Randy Deshotel thanked long time emcee Charlie Manuel who retired for his many years of service to the Tournoi organization. For the seventh time in a row, Eric Guillory is the Tournoi Champ. He captured all 21 rings through the three rounds with a time of 12:39. He also won the fastest time award. Shane Trahan won the coveted Sportsmanship award that was voted on by the riders. Here are the Top Ten riders who automatically qualify for next year's run of the Tournoi: Champion-Eric Guillory; Second place- Alex Haller; Third Place- Bryan Fontenot; 4th Place-John Ross; 5th Place- Ryan Haller; 6th Place- Chuck Manuel; 7th place- Marcus Guillory;8th Place-Austin Trahan; 9th Place- Kent Saucier and 10th Place- Paul Fontenot. This year's Tournoi was dedicated to the memory of long time Tournoi rider and board member Gerald L. Fontenot who died earlier this year. His wide, Mrs. Verna Fontenot thanked the Tournoi association for remembering her late husband. Mrs. Verna, her son, Collin and members of the family were in attendance. Gerald was the champion in 1967, received the fastest time award in 1965 , the Sportsmanship award in 1962 and 1968. He received a plaque in 1987 for serving 29 years with the association. Miss Tournoi Queen Taylor Perrodin and Teen Tournoi Queen Riana Perrodin were in attendance. Classic Hits 92.5 KVPI covered the entire event from start to the announcement of the winners with Josh and A.J. DJ Jude Dardeau provided the P.A. system.

The 2018 Grand Parade of Cotton took place at noon today rolling down Main Street in Ville Platte. The weather was perfect for a parade and the parade units stretched a lot longer with the addition of several political candidates who rode in the parade. Classic Hits 92.5 KVPI was there broadcasting the parade for our listeners.

The Classic Hits 92.5 road crew, Becky and Josh, did a live remote this morning from Ville Platte High gym during the annual Evangeline Parish Career Day sponsored by the Evangeline Parish School Board. They were able to meet with students, school officials and representatives of colleges, military and other groups.

The Ville Platte City Council met Tuesday evening. Mayor Vidrine and some council members wore pink in honor of breast cancer awareness month. Members who forgot to wear pink were adorned with pink roses by Hilda Edwards, secretary to the mayor and grand marshal of the Cotton Festival parade. Crime and safety were the hot topics of the night, with citizens of the Shady Acres subdivision expressing concern about break-ins throughout their neighborhood. Chief of Police Neil Lartigue said the department is increasing patrols and police presence in areas that seem to be the most afflicted with crime and loitering. Current city cameras are being fixed, and new cameras will be installed. Mayor Vidrine stressed that safety for the city is a priority. She said some of these break-ins are caused by 12, 13, and 14 year-olds. She said most of the gunshots heard around the city are from kids, and she stressed that somebody is putting guns in their hands. She pleaded with parents to check their children's rooms, saying it's not an invasion of privacy if they are living in your home. She said some parents have been surprised when the police get involved and search the children's rooms and start pulling out several guns that the parents didn't know about. She said some of the criminals here are coming from out of town. She wants citizens to report anyone suspicious on their streets. She said all calls to the police will remain anonymous, but some citizens have expressed concern that they feel that may not be the case. The city will be installing a tip line soon, so that anyone who wants to report tips on a crime can call that line and know without a doubt that they will remain anonymous. One area of the city was of great concern to the council: the 700 block of Edward Knote Thomas Street. Sunshine Store, located on that street, requested a permit to sell alcohol. The council almost voted against allowing the permit, citing the heavy loitering and concerns with drinking and drugs in that area. The council was split, but with 3 voting yes and 2 voting no, the motion passed to allow the permit. Chief Lartigue reported that, for the month of September compared to the month of August, the number of accidents were down by 22, felonies were down by 4, arrests were down by 8, citations were down by 16, reports down by 6, and the number of calls up by 1. He was pleased to announce the hiring of 4 full-time patrol officers: Kristina Johnson, Roderick Ben, Samer Aldelatif, and Brittany Semien. Shandon Semien moved from part-time jailer to full time patrol officer. Lauriel Ardoin moved from part-time jailer to full time jailer. In good news, Fire Chief Chris Harrison reported that the fire department rating went from class 3 to class 2, which Mayor Vidrine said "that's a very big deal" because the cost of home owner's insurance premiums will go down as a result. In other business, Chamber of Commerce Director Renee Brown asked about a litter abatement program, asking the council if they would work out an arrangement for people who need to fill community service hours to pick up litter to satisfy those hours. Earlier in the meeting, counsel member Bryant Riggs suggested having inmates pick up litter. The concern from the council at that time was that they would need extra security to watch over the inmates. When Brown suggested the abatement program, other suggestions were made to include organizations and churches to help clean the litter and to do it in time for Ville Platte High's and Sacred Heart High's homecomings. The mayor announced that the city received a grant for a new ladder truck for the fire department. The old truck is 37 years old. The new truck is being custom built and will take about four months. The mayor also announced city employees will soon be logging hours with a new digital program that is worker-friendly and will help the city cut back on the amount of paper used. The mayor said more abandoned buildings have been town down and asks for citizens to report any abandoned buildings. She also said inspectors will be coming to town to check rent properties where some land lords are renting to tenants with no electricity and holes in the floors. Mayor Vidrine reported that some of the expenses for the month of September were for the inspection of generators, repairs at the jail, and medical treatment for inmates, and a new software system to help make the city more efficient.

The 65th Louisiana Cotton Festival kicked off in fine fashion Tuesday night at the Ville Platte Civic Center with the traditional Contredanse and the crowning of the King and Queen of of Heritage Manor Nursing Home. Congratulations to new King Alvin Soileau age 96 who has 2 children, 3 grandchildren and 9 great grandchildren. He is a World War 2 Veteran.The runnerup to the King is Gary Landreneau age 75. He was a pipeline laborer. Congratulations to the new Queen: Mary Dupre age 83 of Reddell who has one daughter, six grandchildren and six great grandchildren. The runnerup to the Queen is Bess Fontenot age 93 who has 4 grandchildren and 10 great grandchildren. The Cotton Pickers under the direction of Renee Brown entertained the crowds. The young Contredanse dancers was the largest group ever under the direction of Melanie Soileau and Anita Fontenot. The dancers are: Marcus Sam, Julie Mabe, Stephanie Vidrine, Carly Soileau, Beau Fontenot, Susan Lafleur, Lillian Stanfield, hanna Arabie, Deanna Blankenship, Carley Fontenot, Ashton Vidrine, Grace Bordelon, John Bordelon, Leslie Forman, Janiah LeDay, Ahmod Murphy, Jalaina Freeman, Jaiden Austin, Paige WIlliams, Joshua Williams, Balaigh Williams, Carlee Grace Fontenot, Erin Louis, Bailey Edmand, Victoria Ardoin, Ashaylie Durgin, Shakaylie Dick, Shanijah Edwards, Dereyel Roy, Ashlynn Thibodeaux, and Darmarion Freeman. Two U.L. Lafayette students were filming portions of the event. Students Adelai Lynch and Hannah McGee are filming a documentary on Louisiana Festival Queens entitled "Bayou Belles". Cotton Festival Association President Pat Derousselle was the emcee. Classic Hits 92.5 KVPI was there broadcasting the entire live for our listeners.

According to Chief Neal Lartigue with the Ville Platte Police Department, there has been a rash of vehicle break –ins over the past couple of weeks.  On September 29, 2018 Officers responded to four reports of vehicle break –ins in the area of Scenic Drive and Dohman Drive.  In two of the incidents nothing was taken from the vehicle.  A wallet was taken from one vehicle but was recovered a short distance away from the owner’s residence on Dohman Drive.  On Scenic Drive a wallet, checkbook and 1 handgun were taken from a vehicle. 

 

On October 8, 2018 a vehicle was broken into on Dohman Drive and a purse was taken.  The purse was located and returned to the owner with the contents still inside.  On Scenic drive, on the same date, a vehicle was broken into and rummaged through but nothing was reported missing from the vehicle.

 

Chief Lartigue has stated that patrol has been stepped up in the area and asks everyone to report anyone suspicious in the area and remember lock the doors of your vehicle and other buildings on your property. “Be vigilant in not only locking your vehicle doors but also in removing anything of value from the vehicle which may tempt these criminals.” Chief Lartigue said, “If you notice people in your neighborhood or near a neighbor’s residence that do not appear to belong there, please call us immediately.” 

 

Chief Lartigue stated that reporting suspicious people will allow the Officers to identify them and obtain information that can be investigated in the occurrence.   “Sometimes residents of the city do not call because they are afraid they are bothering the Officers but rest assured that is not the case.” Chief Lartigue stated.  “Since we cannot be everywhere at one time, we ask that you let us know if you see anyone suspicious.”

 

Another concern for some residents is that they are afraid.  “We do not give out any information regarding who called in and reported suspicious people or activity so do not fear calling us.” Chief Lartigue said.  “We are here to protect and serve, part of that protection is keeping your information anonymous.  It is our mission to remove these criminals from our streets and we are stepping up patrols and gathering information to investigate and apprehend the suspects.”

 

To report suspicious people, activity and illegal activity you are asked to call the Ville Platte Police Department at 363-1313. Your call will remain anonymous.  If you see something, say something.

Ville Platte Police Chief Neal Lartigue reports an assault. On Sunday, September 28, 2018 at approximately 1:30 a.m. Officers responded to a report of assault in the 500 block of East LaSalle Street. Upon arrival Officers met with the victim who stated that as she was walking with a friend on East LaSalle a female in a silver Chevrolet Malibu pulled up and stopped in front of them. A black female exited the vehicle and began pulling the victim's hair and punched her in the face. The victim stated to Officers that she believed that the assault occurred because of text messages involving her and another party. Acadian Ambulance was dispatched to the scene to provide medical attention. No further information is available at this time as the incident remains under investigation. Chief Lartigue is asking anyone with information on the incident to contact the Ville Platte Police Department at 363-1313. Your call will remain anonymous.

Ville Platte Police Chief Neal Lartigue reports the arrest of one for purse snatching and theft. On September 25, 2018 at approximately 3:15 p.m. Officers with the Ville Platte Police Department responded to the 200 block of Cotton in reference to a report of theft. Upon arrival Officers met with two females who reported that a black male had flagged them down as they were passing in a vehicle and as he leaned into the vehicle to speak with them, he reached inside and took a purse containing a large amount of cash. According to the two females, the black male then took off running in an unknown direction. After further information and investigation, an identification was made and the suspect was located on September 27, 2018. Keyshawn Gallow 18, of 806 North Latour, apartment 38, was arrested without incident and charged with purse snatching and theft. Gallow was booked into the Ville Platte City Jail and then transferred to the Evangeline Parish Jail on a $25,000.00 bond set by Judge Ortego. Chief Neal Lartigue encourages citizens to report suspicious or illegal activity immediately to the Ville Platte Police Department by calling 363-1313. Your call will remain anonymous.

The Rotary Club of Ville Platte heard from Lt. Scott Fontenot and Sgt. Steve Vidrine, enforcement agents with the Louisiana Office of Wildlife and Fisheries. Since the opening weekend of squirrel and rabbit hunting begins this weekend , the two agents shared some hunting safety tips to club members. Vidrine said due to a printing mistake, deer hunters are allowed to tear apart their deer license. They reminded hunters that the only time you can legally hunt hogs and coyotes at night is March 1 through August 31. The agents reminded Rotary club members the importance of wearing hunter orange. Every year, people are shot accidentally. Even on your own private property, you are required to wear hunter orange. The two said narcotics are often involved when they make arrests with hunters. Fontenot said his department is working with the Evangeline Parish Police Jury and the Solid Waste Commission to crack down on those who litter parish and state roads with the use of surveillance cameras. In the short time, the cameras have been in use here, for about three weeks, they made 11-12 cases. The two wildlife agents were the special guests of Rotarian Wayne Vidrine. In other business, the Rotary Club: Club President Richard LeJeune announced that due to new responsibilities with his job, he is stepping down. Vice President Peter Strawitz will be replacing him; Announced that their Fall Social is set for October 23 at Dr. Jerry Veillon's Camp;

Evangeline Parish Sheriff Eddie Soileau, of the Evangeline Parish Sheriff's Office has released the following: One man known as Derek Craig Clark is wanted in multiple burglaries and thefts from the 1000 block of Jeremy Cole Road and 14000 block of Veterans Memorial Highway. Authorities say 30-year old Derek Craig Clark of Ville Platte, LA, is facing charges for Burglary (2 counts), 1 count of Theft and Criminal Trespassing. Derek is said to frequent the area of Alexandria, LA (Rapides Parish). When not in Rapides Parish Derek resides in Evangeline Parish at the address of 5755 Beaver Road Ville Platte, LA. Anyone with information on his whereabouts is asked to contact the Evangeline Parish Sheriff's Office Investigations Division by phone at 337-363-2161. All callers will remain anonymous. Anyone with information on any other crime is also asked to contact the Evangeline Parish Sheriff's Office Investigation Division.

Zenon Road Dirt Bike Theft Suspect Wanted Evangeline Parish Sheriff Eddie Soileau, of the Evangeline Parish Sheriff's Office has released the following: Friday afternoon, September 21, 2018 Evangeline Parish Sheriff's Office received a call in reference to a Theft. One man known as Derrick D Lafleur aka "Sweet D" is wanted in the Theft of a 2006 DR-Z4005 Suzuki Dirt Bike taken from the 1000 block of Zenon Road in the Grand Prairie area of Evangeline Parish. Authorities say 38-year old Derrick D Lafleur of Eunice, LA, is facing charges for Theft of a Motor Vehicle and Criminal Trespassing. Anyone with information on his whereabouts is asked to contact the Evangeline Parish Sheriff's Office Investigations Division by phone at 337-363-2161. All callers will remain anonymous. Anyone with information on any other crime is also asked to contact the Evangeline Parish Sheriff's Office Investigation Division.

The Evangeline Parish Police Jury met Monday evening. The jury discussed the crime rate in the parish. In particular, they discussed crimes committed by juveniles, with Jury member Brian Vidrine saying, "We need to try to get a hold of the drug problem in this parish." He said juveniles are attracted to the easy money that comes from drugs. A suggestion was made to reach out to the city of Ville Platte and the Sheriff's Department, and to reach out to the schools to create a mentor program. They mentioned that Police Chief Neil Lartigue has a medicine drop-off program where citizens can drop off old medications so that they don't fall into the wrong hands. Jury member Rocky Rider said if citizens see juveniles out after curfew, they should call the police. Public Works Director, Chester Granger, said they are finally finished with the chip-sealing of over 40 roads this year. They are now moving back to the regular district jobs and taking care of business. Jury member Lamar Johnson commended them on a job well done. Engineer Ronnie Landreneau said the Basile Library is having drainage issues. The library is owned and operated by the police jury. He asked if they could enter a cooperative endeavor with the town of Basile to have them perform minor drainage work. The motion was approved. Before the regular meeting, there was a public hearing for the proposed abandonment of Sunshine Road. Member Rocky Rider said he'd like to go out there and see whatever the problems are on the road and the reasons for abandonment before they move to do so. A motion was made to not abandon the road at this time. Secretary-Treasurer, Donald Bergeron, said the 2% sales tax collected in September was $303,573.53, which is up by $71,471, which he said was a good increase this month. The jury adopted the NIBS (Navigational Integrated Bridge System) Compliance Resolution. Bergeron explained it as all bridges have to be inspected on a rotating basis. He said they are in compliance. In other business, the jury approved: A resolution requesting Congressional assistance to reinstate arbitration language as it pertains to disaster relief Seismic testing along the parish roads The installation of a three-way stop sign on Division and St. John Road A trail ride for Cleopatra Antoine on Pine Point Road, to be held November 11th Chamber of Commerce Director Renee' Brown's request of the Chauncey Pitre Building for the Smoked Meat Festival, a one-day event, on February 2nd Member Ryan Ardoin's request to hold a prayer at the Court House square at 4:00 PM on the first Monday of each month Removal of a tree on Old Park Road