Tagged News

• Zathan Boutan approved as new chief of New Roads Police Department Play Video

  March 24, 2026 7:17 PM

  NEW ROADS - Zathan Boutan has been selected as the new chief of the New Roads Police Department. The New Roads City Council approved Boutan's appointment at its meeting Tuesday night. His appointment comes after the resignation of the previous chief, Louis Hamilton . He resigned after the... more »

• New Roads Police chief resigns following WBRZ Investigative Unit reports Play Video

  February 10, 2026 12:34 PM

  NEW ROADS - New Roads Police Chief Louis Hamilton tendered his resignation on Tuesday, following a series of reports by the WBRZ Investigative Unit. According to sources, Hamilton was asked to step down after recent issues in the department, including the arrest of Officer Quincy Lathers for selling drugs... more »

• Missing 3-month-old found safely in Pointe Coupee Parish Play Video

  November 23, 2025 12:54 AM

  UPDATE: The child has been located safely. NEW ROADS - An amber alert was issued in Pointe Coupee Parish early Sunday morning. A woman was accused of abducting a 3-month-old. The child was last seen at 3:18 p.m. on Bayou Run Drive in New Roads. If... more »

• Plaquemine, New Roads among 12 cities whose Main Streets will receive grant money from state Play Video

  September 24, 2025 11:07 AM

  BATON ROUGE - Lt. Gov. Billy Nungesser and Louisiana Main Street on Wednesday announced that a second round of technical assistance grants will be awarded to 12 communities across Louisiana. The $450,000 funding for the project was awarded in the Louisiana Legislature's newest budget and follows the first round... more »

• LSP: 1 man still in critical condition after being shot multiple times by New Roads officer Play Video

  September 20, 2025 1:19 PM

  NEW ROADS — One man remained in critical condition on Saturday after he was shot multiple times by a New Roads Police officer the night before, according to Louisiana State Police. John Sexton, 45, was still in critical, but stable, condition as of around noon Saturday after he was... more »

• Fired police officer accused of pawning service weapons has arraignment continued into September Play Video

  August 7, 2025 7:07 AM

  NEW ROADS — Fired New Roads Police Sgt. Stacy Paul was in court Wednesday, where he began the process of being arraigned on malfeasance charges stemming from allegedly pawning his service weapons. Paul's charges stem from three different police departments where he worked. He is accused of pawning weapons... more »

• A stormy glow on Wednesday: why skies turned green in some areas

  June 12, 2025 3:19 PM

  Wednesday’s storms packed a punch in a few neighborhoods. Skies lit up with a green tinge along the False River as storms moved in during the evening. Johnny Moyal captured the ominous sight. So what causes a thunderstorm to give off a green color? It all comes down to... more »

• New Roads drug dealer caught with 18lbs of heroin sentenced to 230 years in prison

  June 11, 2025 7:02 PM

  NEW ROADS — A New Roads man was sentenced to 230 years in prison for running a drug operation in Pointe Coupee Parish. Elie T. Edwards, 46, was the target of a 2022 drug bust in which more than 18 pounds of heroin, four pounds of marijuana and one... more »

• Alleged drunk driver barrels into front of New Roads home Play Video

  May 19, 2025 10:19 PM

  NEW ROADS - An alleged drunk driver ran his truck through the front of a brick house in New Roads on Monday night. The wreck, which was first reported shortly before 9 p.m., happened along False River Drive near the intersection with Major Parkway. The New Roads Police... more »

• Pier, boat on fire along False River Play Video

  May 19, 2025 1:06 PM

  NEW ROADS - A boat on fire was left drifting on False River on Monday morning. The Pointe Coupee Parish Sheriff's Office said a home on Island Road's pier caught fire, along with a boat parked there. The boat started drifting out into False River. WBRZ has reached... more »

• 3 Pointe Coupee jail employees on leave without pay amid investigation into inmate escape Play Video

  April 23, 2025 11:17 AM

  NEW ROADS - Three Pointe Coupee Sheriff's Office employees were placed on leave without pay amid an investigation into how an inmate escaped the parish detention center. Crystal Palermo, 42, was arrested for drug charges but escaped from the detention center following her arrest on April 13. She was... more »

• New Roads police searching for woman wanted for home invasion Play Video

  February 10, 2025 7:14 AM

  NEW ROADS - Officers are searching for a woman believed to be armed and dangerous who is wanted for home invasion and other charges. Cherry Johnson of New Roads is wanted for home invasion, aggravated second-degree battery, remaining after being forbidden, and contributing to the delinquency of juveniles. ... more »

• Pointe Coupee Sheriff's Office holding benefit lunch for officer who underwent heart surgery Play Video

  May 22, 2024 10:17 PM

  NEW ROADS - The Pointe Coupee Parish Sheriff's Office is holding a benefit lunch Thursday for an officer who underwent a heart transplant. According to the PCPSO, the lunch is being held for Sgt. Mike Battiste. It will be held at the Scott Civic Center in New Roads at... more »

• Prosecutor accepts responsibility in hit and run crash on False River Play Video

  October 23, 2023 6:51 PM

  NEW ROADS- A prosecutor from Lafayette accepted responsibility for a crash he caused on False River two years ago and took off. Monday, Chris Richard entered no contest pleas to two charges that were reduced to misdemeanors. When investigators found Chris Richard, he was back at his home... more »

• Justice of the Peace resigns hours after WBRZ report Play Video

  September 26, 2023 5:34 PM

  NEW ROADS- Pointe Coupee Parish Justice of the Peace Randy Guidroz submitted his resignation to the Louisiana Secretary of State's Office and the Louisiana Judiciary Commission on Tuesday. It came less than 12 hours after a WBRZ Investigative Unit report highlighting a recommendation by the Commission to suspend Guidroz... more »

• Another trial delay for prosecutor accused of felony hit and run Play Video

  September 18, 2023 5:32 PM

  NEW ROADS - There's yet another trial delay for the prosecutor facing felony charges tied to a 2021 hit and run on False River. Watch live newscasts here The WBRZ Investigative Unit found that since Chris Richard's arrest in August 2021, he's had six continuances in his case.... more »

• Nursing home with history of problems once again under microscope after resident dies Play Video

  June 1, 2023 5:39 PM

  NEW ROADS — A nursing home with a history of problems is once again at the center of controversy after a family alleges their loved one died due to the neglect she endured there. Brad Guerin said he began documenting problem after problem at Pointe Coupee Healthcare, after visiting... more »

• Pointe Coupee arrests 2 juvenile drive-by suspects. Between them, they're wearing 5 ankle monitors Play Video

  May 31, 2023 6:33 PM

  NEW ROADS — A pair of juveniles wearing multiple ankle monitors for crimes in other parishes have been accused of a drive-by shooting in New Roads, authorities said. The names of the juveniles involved in the drive-by were not released due to their ages. Pointe Coupee Parish Sheriff... more »

• Trial date set for prosecutor accused of hit and run on False River Play Video

  May 4, 2023 5:21 PM

  NEW ROADS- A prosecutor from the Lafayette area accused in a hit and run on False River is scheduled to go to trial this fall as questions loom about the delay. A trial date is set for Chris Richard on Sept. 25, 2023. Watch live newscasts here. ... more »

• Prosecutor accused of hurting kids in 2021 hit-and-run crash still awaiting trial Play Video

  March 8, 2023 5:29 PM

  NEW ROADS - A prosecutor from Lafayette who was arrested on felony hit and run charges after witnesses say he hit children with his boat on False River and fled the scene is still waiting for his case to go to trial. Watch live newscasts here The WBRZ... more »

• Longtime New Roads police chief retires

  January 17, 2023 5:03 PM

  NEW ROADS - Longtime New Roads Police Chief Kevin McDonald retired last week after a three-decade career in law enforcement. McDonald served under at least four different mayors in the City of New Roads, and worked as the Police Chief for 18 and a half years. Prior to his... more »

• New Roads police officer accused of sexually assaulting teen, placed on leave amid investigation Play Video

  July 29, 2022 1:06 PM

  UPDATE: Police Chief Kevin McDonald said Tuesday that the officer has been fired from the department. Read the full update here: https://www.wbrz.com/news/new-roads-police-officer-fired-amid-sex-crimes-investigation-involving-teen-153271 ------- NEW ROADS - A police officer was placed on paid administrative leave this week after allegations surfaced the cop sexually assaulted a teen. New... more »

• Police called when housing authority boss shows up to work after being suspended over spending

  March 28, 2022 2:43 PM

  NEW ROADS - A two-year-old financial audit inquiry led to police being called to the Housing Authority in New Roads Monday amid a feud involving the agency boss, city government and what auditors found in a routine check of records. Amid COVID lockdowns, auditors questioned the agency's spending, specifically... more »

• Sheriff: Doctors working to save juvenile's ankle after teens were shot in New Roads Play Video

  January 26, 2022 5:40 PM

  NEW ROADS- Pointe Coupee Parish Sheriff Rene Thibodeaux said doctors are working to save the ankle of one of three juveniles shot Tuesday night. Someone sprayed a house with bullets on Carver Drive just after 7 p.m.. According to investigators, the teens were between the ages of 15 and... more »

• Auditor's report questions thousands of dollars spent on security for New Roads Mayor

  October 4, 2021 4:37 AM

  NEW ROADS - A recent audit of the City of New Roads revealed an act of theft that was resolved and several unresolved discrepancies, one involving thousands of dollars spent on the mayor's security detail. The analysis of the city's financial state and related activities was conducted by an... more »

• Suspect arrested in triple shooting that left 2 dead at family gathering in New Roads Play Video

  September 18, 2021 6:55 PM

  NEW ROADS - Two people are dead and another was wounded after a triple shooting Friday night. Pointe Coupee Parish Sheriff's Office said Friday around 9:30 p.m. Morris Hollins, 23, shot three of his family members during a family gathering on Delta Place Road in New Roads. "To... more »

• Attorney who left scene of boating crash that injured kids is also a prosecutor Play Video

  August 12, 2021 6:40 PM

  NEW ROADS- The lawyer who fled the scene of a boating crash that injured kids is also a prosecutor for the Lafayette District Attorney's Office, the WBRZ Investigative Unit confirmed Thursday. That lawyer, Chris Richard, left the scene of a Sunday boating crash on False River, according to Sheriff... more »

• Mystery deepens after boaters fled crash that hurt kids in False River Play Video

  August 11, 2021 6:33 PM

  NEW ROADS - Pointe Coupee Sheriff Rene Thibodeaux said a troubling situation is emerging in his parish after three juveniles were hurt over the weekend when the tube they were riding on was hit by a boat in False River. Two kids had to go to the hospital. One... more »

• New Roads council targets mayor's use of police detail for private purposes Play Video

  August 4, 2021 5:52 PM

  NEW ROADS - Six months after the New Roads City Council passed a resolution to limit Mayor Cornell Dukes' use of his police detail, they claim Dukes has ignored the resolution. They are now planning to author an ordinance, which would carry more weight and could be enforced. ... more »

• Mardi Gras 2021: City of New Roads to hold alternative drive-by celebration this weekend Play Video

  February 5, 2021 8:41 AM

  NEW ROADS - A number of traditional Mardi Gras events have been either postponed or altogether canceled for Louisiana's 2021 carnival season due to the novel coronavirus pandemic. But in the City of New Roads, adherence to COVID guidelines has not disrupted the small community's Mardi Gras celebrations. ... more »

• Arrest made in deadly New Roads shooting; police expect more will face charges

  January 22, 2021 9:47 AM

  NEW ROADS - A possible killer was arrested after a shooting in Pointe Coupee Parish last week, but police are still offering few details regarding the suspect or what led to the deadly incident. Officials told WBRZ the fatal shots were fired on Pennsylvania Avenue Thursday night. Police said... more »

• Taxpayers foot bill for mayor's $24K security detail despite no threats on record Play Video

  December 17, 2020 3:48 PM

  NEW ROADS- The Mayor of New Roads said he needs a police officer with him at all times due to safety concerns and threats that have been made on his life. But, the WBRZ Investigative Unit found the New Roads Police Department had no threats reported against Mayor Cornell... more »

• Pointe Coupee, New Roads prepare ahead of Delta Play Video

  October 8, 2020 7:11 PM

  NEW ROADS - Final storm preps are happening in Pointe Coupee Parish and the City of New Roads Thursday before Hurricane Delta reaches Louisiana. Schools have closed ahead of the storm, and students there will participate in virtual learning on Friday. These last few days have been all about... more »

• Suspect involved in deadly park shooting now in custody Play Video

  July 18, 2020 10:20 PM

  NEW ROADS - A suspect wanted in connection with a deadly shooting is in police custody as of Sunday evening. New Roads police say Arrington Lemay turned himself in to authorities around 6:20 p.m., Sunday. This was after police discovered that an unidentified person had been fatally shot... more »

• New Roads Police request assistance in identifying suspected thief

  July 8, 2020 10:42 AM

  NEW ROADS - The New Roads Police Department is asking the public’s assistance in identifying the man pictured above. Police say the man was at a Walmart in New Roads (460 Hospital Rd, New Roads, LA 70760) when he reportedly stole a customer's wallet. Anyone with pertinent information... more »

• Flood-prone residents moving closer to relocation Play Video

  February 10, 2020 11:44 PM

  NEW ROADS - Renderings of a new neighborhood were on display Monday at St Augustine's Catholic Church. The drawings depict what residents currently living in the Pecan Acres area should except. "Can I move tomorrow," Lisha Gremillion said. "Can I have that house built overnight? I can't go through... more »

• Police captain allegedly took cash to erase ticket, stole money from narcotics fund

  November 15, 2019 2:20 PM

  NEW ROADS - A longtime police officer was arrested after he allegedly took bribes in order to get rid of a ticket and stole money from a department account. The Pointe Coupee Sheriff's Office confirmed Friday that Shane Fabre had been booked into the parish jail earlier this week.... more »

• Tenant withholding rent for poor living conditions

  July 26, 2019 6:28 PM

  GLYNN - A tenant says her landlord is threatening to kick her out for not paying rent, but she says there's a reason she's not paying. Katie Major and her daughters have been living in their Glynn rental home for almost six years. In May, their living conditions changed,... more »

• Teen killed, suspect arrested in Monday night shooting in New Roads Play Video

  July 8, 2019 9:43 PM

  NEW ROADS - One person is dead following a shooting along Highway 10 Monday night. The incident was reported around 8:30 p.m. According to New Roads Police Chief Kevin McDonald, the shooting stemmed from a fight in the parking lot of a food mart near Lorenza Street. The victim... more »

• AR-15 assault weapon stolen out of New Roads police car Play Video

  July 8, 2019 6:35 PM

  NEW ROADS- The New Roads Police Department is offering a $500 reward for anyone who can help them retrieve a stolen high-powered assault weapon that was snatched from a police unit last month. It happened as an officer responded to a call. "This is an unusual thing," Captain Shane Fabre... more »

• New Roads Mayor calls state auditors to look at city's finances Play Video

  January 8, 2019 5:44 PM

  NEW ROADS- Eight days into a new job and there's already there's a call for transparency by the brand new Mayor, Cornell Dukes. Dukes said his first order of business after taking office was to call in the State Legislative Auditor's Office to take a deep dive at the city's... more »

• New Roads neighborhoods oppose relocation of flood-prone subdivision Play Video

  August 1, 2018 12:05 AM

  NEW ROADS - Residents hoping to relocate out of their flood-prone subdivision ran into opposition from their would-be neighbors. People living in Pecan Acres, known to many as Flood City, had voted to build a new housing development in a more affluent part of New Roads but residents there opposed... more »

• New Roads boat parade celebrates 36th year Play Video

  July 4, 2018 6:09 PM

  NEW ROADS - Around one o'clock Wednesday, the spot to be was in New Roads on the False River where it was a perfect day for a boat parade. In its 36th year, the boat parade's theme this year is "Salute the Troops, the American Heroes." People from all... more »

• Buyouts coming for 'Flood City' residents Play Video

  April 13, 2018 11:38 PM

  NEW ROADS- A plan is moving forward to buyout the houses of residents in one Pointe Coupee Parish neighborhood, according to their state representative Friday. "I'm just glad we finally have a permanent solution to the problem," said Rep. Major Thibaut (D-New Roads). In the coming weeks, the... more »

• New Roads parades set to roll on Fat Tuesday Play Video

  February 12, 2018 11:33 PM

  NEW ROADS - Boasting one of the oldest and largest Mardi Gras festivals in Louisiana, two parades are set to roll Tuesday in the city on False River. Community Center Carnival Mardi Gras Parade; starts 11:00 a.m. New Roads Lions Mardi Gras Parade; starts at 2:00 p.m.... more »

• LA 1 open after train derailment in New Roads Play Video

  January 4, 2018 8:50 AM

  UPDATE: LA 1 is now open in both directions between Hospital Road and LA 420 after a train derailed yesterday. ***** POINTE COUPEE - State Police were working the scene of a train derailment on LA 1 north of New Roads. Authorities... more »

• New Roads woman cast on upcoming season of 'The Bachelor'

  December 11, 2017 4:00 PM

  NEW ROADS- The new season of "The Bachelor" premieres early next year, and one of the contestants is a Louisiana native. 33-year-old Lauren Jarreau. of New Roads is a recent master's degree graduate, and has been chosen as one of the 29 bachelorettes. The women... more »

• New Roads mayor resigns, pleads no contest to malfeasance charges Play Video

  October 19, 2017 4:29 PM

  PLAQUEMINE - New Roads Mayor Robert Myer will resign effective 9 a.m. Friday. The move comes after a Thursday evening hearing at a Plaquemine courthouse. In the hearing, Myer plead no contest to felony malfeasance charges for using the city’s credit card illegally for personal purchases. Myer will... more »

• Councilman: Taxpayers on the hook for $132,000 over sign spat Play Video

  October 16, 2017 5:41 PM

  NEW ROADS- A New Roads City Councilman says taxpayers in town are on the hook by his calculations for $132,000 in legal fees after New Roads Mayor Robert Myer refused to turn electricity on to a brand new digital billboard. The owners of the billboard took the city to court,... more »