Louisiana Police Chief Under Investigation Following Crash
Investigators with the Ville Platte, Louisiana Police Department have confirmed they are investigating a crash that took place in that community on Friday afternoon. They have also confirmed one of the people involved in that crash is the current Chief of Police in Pine Prarie, L.C. Deshotel. Chief Deshotel is pictured in the center of the image taken from Facebook.
Based on information from the Ville Platte Police concerning the Friday afternoon crash, it is alleged that a vehicle driven by Chief Deshotel was swerving in and out of lanes. That erratic motion is believed to have been the catalyst of the crash. The Ville Platte officer's report suggests that the other driver involved in the incident attempted to avoid the vehicle Deshotel is alleged to have been driving but the two vehicles collided on Main Street.
This incident involving Chief Deshotel comes less than two months after he was arrested and charged with driving while intoxicated. It should be noted that it is unknown at this time if Chief Deshotel was driving under the influence when this incident occurred on Friday afternoon.
According to reports, James West, the Mayor of Pine Prarie is suggesting that his office is waiting on the Ville Platte Police investigation to conclude before any statements or decisions on Chief Deshotel's future are made.
Following Friday's crash, it was reported that neither Chief Deshotel nor the driver of the other vehicle was injured. In fact, both drivers declined medical attention. In the January 18th incident involving Deshotel he was issued a summons and the information concerning the arrest was forwarded to Trent Brignac, the Evangeline Parish District Attorney.
As of this report, no charges have been filed against either driver in Friday's crash. However, Ville Platte Chief of Police Perry Thomas did tell reporters from KLFY television that his department's investigation was ongoing.
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