Content Tagged As state_police
Tagged News
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New state government digging deeper into State Police wrongdoing first exposed by WBRZ Play Video
November 29, 2023 5:28 PM
BATON ROUGE- Attorney General elect Liz Murrill announced Wednesday that an in-depth review is being conducted at Louisiana State Police as the agency continues to be under a federal pattern and practice investigation by the Department of Justice. Those comments were revealed at a news conference announcing the next... more » -
Woman arrested, accused of hit-and-run involving state trooper
November 24, 2023 11:53 PM
ST. CHARLES PARISH - A 19-year-old woman is in custody, suspected of driving while impaired and striking a Louisiana State Police vehicle as a trooper was rendering aid to a driver along I-10 early Friday morning. The incident happened in westbound lanes of the Bonnet Carre Spillway, near Norco.... more » -
Louisiana State Police pledge to be 'active' during holiday travel rush
November 17, 2023 5:35 PM
BATON ROUGE - Louisiana troopers will be working extra while most others will be taking time off over the next week. State police on Friday said troopers will be on the lookout for aggressive and impaired drivers, as well as unrestrained motorists and passengers -- including children who are... more » -
Website helping Louisianians track wildfires across state, beyond
August 25, 2023 1:36 PM
BATON ROUGE - Louisiana State Police are directing the public to a wildfire tracking website to help residents understand the threat and to keep them updated on the spread of the fires. The "Wildfire Aware" web page identifies wildfires that have been reported, then provides information on them --... more » -
INVESTIGATIVE UNIT: Leaked evidence shows Madison Brooks family pressed for sexual assault probe Play Video
July 28, 2023 5:24 PM
BATON ROUGE — More leaked evidence is painting a clearer picture of how the Madison Brooks case morphed from a probe of a pedestrian death into a full blown rape investigation. Leaked documents show that, in the hours after Brooks' death, a state trooper who was an acquaintance of... more » -
State Police head defends picking trooper with checkered past to lead new compliance division
October 28, 2022 5:23 PM
BATON ROUGE - Louisiana State Police Colonel Lamar Davis defended his decision this week to place Captain Robert Burns in charge of the agency's brand-new compliance section. Burns was the focus of a WBRZ Investigative Unit story in 2017 after documents revealed he illegally searched names in law enforcement... more » -
State Police captain accused of breaking the law put in charge of new compliance department Play Video
October 14, 2022 5:02 PM
BATON ROUGE - Louisiana State Police placed a captain who was disciplined for illegally searching names for personal purposes in law enforcement databases in charge of their newly established compliance section. Colonel Lamar Davis sent out a note to all of State Police last month telling staff to congratulate... more » -
After deadly arrest, State Police offered whistleblower $200k settlement to make him go away Play Video
October 13, 2022 4:15 PM
BATON ROUGE - Sources told the WBRZ Investigative Unit Thursday, the state of Louisiana offered former Trooper Carl Cavalier $200,000 to settle his case after he was fired for speaking out about wrongdoing at the agency. Cavalier said his lawsuit against the department has never been about money, he's... more » -
More than $40K missing at WBR sheriff's office; employees implicated in growing investigation Play Video
September 26, 2022 5:02 PM
PORT ALLEN - Prosecutors want state troopers to get involved in an investigation surrounding thousands of dollars in missing money at the West Baton Rouge Sheriff's Office. "I've asked them to ask [Louisiana] State Police to assist them with the investigation," District Attorney Tony Clayton said. Weeks ago,... more » -
Surveillance video played part in plea deal for trooper who shot man in the back: See the video here Play Video
September 13, 2022 5:18 PM
BATON ROUGE – Surveillance video obtained by WBRZ shows the moments a fired – and now convicted – Louisiana State Trooper shot an unarmed man in the back in July 2018. The trooper, Kasha Domingue, pleaded guilty in a deal Monday. WBRZ first reported on the plea agreement earlier... more » -
Top state trooper busted doing 90+ on the Basin Bridge; not given a ticket Play Video
July 8, 2022 12:43 AM
BATON ROUGE – State Police Col. Lamar Davis got pulled over for doing at least 90 mph on the Basin Bridge last week, as lawmakers were ordering the Department of Transportation and Development to crackdow n on civilians for similar dangerous driving along the 18-mile I-10 bridge linking Baton Rouge... more » -
Teen tied to murder case led police on high-speed chase through BR, crashed into trooper
May 24, 2022 6:50 PM
BATON ROUGE - State troopers in Baton Rouge captured a teen "person of interest" in a New Orleans carjacking and homicide after a car chase Tuesday. The Jeep Liberty reported to have been taken in the carjacking was spotted around 4:30 p.m. on Interstate 10 in Ascension Parish. Troopers... more » -
Amid flood of criticism, Louisiana State Police launches new unit to investigate use-of-force incidents Play Video
May 20, 2022 5:20 PM
BATON ROUGE - Louisiana State Police launched a Force Investigation Unit (FIU) in February tasked with investigating cases of deadly force, retaliatory force and in-custody deaths involving officers under the Department of Public Safety. FIU will operate separately from Internal Affairs, a body that investigates incidents at State Police... more » -
State Police commission holds former Superintendent Kevin Reeves in contempt for ignoring subpoena Play Video
May 12, 2022 1:09 PM
BATON ROUGE - Just a day after lawmakers held former State Police leader Col. Kevin Reeves in contempt for withholding personal journal entries they believe could be relevant to their investigation into Ronald Greene's death, the commission that oversees discipline at State Police now too is holding Reeves in contempt... more » -
Former State Police leader faces fine, held in contempt by lawmakers leading Ronald Greene probe Play Video
May 11, 2022 10:37 AM
BATON ROUGE- A special committee of lawmakers seeking the truth about what happened at Louisiana State Police after Ronald Greene's death voted to hold former Superintendent Kevin Reeves in contempt Wednesday, claiming he's been uncooperative with their investigation. They also recommended that the House assess a $5,000 fine. ... more » -
Three years after Ronald Greene's death and family still waits for justice Play Video
May 9, 2022 4:52 PM
BATON ROUGE- It was May 10, 2019. A motorist led Louisiana State troopers on a high speed chase through north Louisiana. When Ronald Greene was yanked from his car, top State Police brass now admit he was "tortured and murdered." Three years later, the family is still waiting for... more » -
State Police didn't document erased cellphones despite warnings to track its equipment Play Video
April 15, 2022 3:51 PM
BATON ROUGE- Despite incredulous testimony at the capitol last month where Louisiana State Police said they kept no records of which employees had cell phones, the WBRZ Investigative Unit uncovered the agency had been warned for years to keep track of their equipment. Watch live newscasts here During... more » -
La. Inspector General to investigate why State Police erased cell phones of top brass Play Video
April 11, 2022 5:21 PM
BATON ROUGE- Multiple sources confirmed Monday that the State Inspector General's office will take over the investigation into erased cell phones at State Police. Watch WBRZ newscasts online here The WBRZ Investigative Unit exposed this year the number two, Lt. Colonel Doug Cain, had his phone erased amid... more » -
State Police lieutenant arrested after multiple hit and runs involving department vehicle
April 8, 2022 11:16 AM
BATON ROUGE - Louisiana State Police arrested a high-ranking lieutenant Friday morning on felony charges, according to an internal memo that went out to the agency this morning. According to the memo, Lt. Chad Lacoste was arrested following two investigations into hit-and-run crashes that occurred in St. Tammany and... more » -
State Police hire firm for $1.5 million to clean up agency
March 11, 2022 6:43 PM
BATON ROUGE - State Police announced late Friday that they finished a nationwide search and contracted with the Bowman Group to perform a review of its policies, procedures, and culture. It comes after more than a year and a half of stories where State Police have come under fire... more » -
Lawmaker says getting truth from State Police 'shouldn't be that hard' amid Ronald Greene investigation Play Video
March 11, 2022 4:57 PM
BATON ROUGE – An investigator with State Police tasked with looking into officer-involved shootings said there was only one instance in his career when a supervisor ignored suggestions an officer should be arrested, and it was the case involving State Police and the death of Ronald Greene. Lawmakers have... more » -
Father 'relieved' after arrest in daughter's hit-and-run killing Play Video
March 7, 2022 8:03 PM
BATON ROUGE - Quality police work and tips from the public led to Leah Tatman's family getting a sense of closure. "I was relieved," said her father, Jay Tatman. In January, 30-year-old Leah Tatman was walking along Jefferson Highway near Highland Road when she was struck by a... more » -
Head of State Police admits agency broke the law sanitizing top leaders' cell phones Play Video
February 18, 2022 12:29 PM
BATON ROUGE - In a sit-down interview with the WBRZ Investigative Unit on Friday, State Police Colonel Lamar Davis admitted his agency broke the law when the cell phones of top leaders were erased amid a state and federal investigation into the death of Ronald Greene. Click here to... more » -
Legal experts: State Police violated the law allowing agency leaders' cell phones to be erased Play Video
February 16, 2022 5:27 PM
BATON ROUGE - Seasoned legal experts and auditors told WBRZ Wednesday that Louisiana State Police violated laws when the agency allowed top officials to get their cell phones wiped in the wake of Ronald Greene's death. Stream WBRZ newscasts here "The period for maintaining public records is three... more » -
North LA District Attorney meets with Black Caucus about Ronald Greene case Play Video
February 14, 2022 5:32 PM
BATON ROUGE- District Attorney John Belton, who will be in charge of prosecuting the state charges in the Ronald Greene death case, met with the Legislative Black Caucus Monday. During their meeting, Belton discussed that he was asked not to pursue the state charges until the feds wrap up... more » -
Nakamoto: Top State Police leader tied to Ronald Greene cover-up had phone data erased Play Video
February 11, 2022 3:28 PM
BATON ROUGE - As pressure started mounting against State Police following controversial excessive force incidents, including the death of Ronald Greene, the phone of top agency Lt. Colonel Doug Cain was scrubbed of its data. It's a process known as being "sanitized," and it appears to have erased the... more » -
Endangered 14-year-old girl found safe after reported missing out of Holden, police say
February 10, 2022 7:23 PM
HOLDEN - A missing 14-year-old girl from Holden was found safe and returned home, police reported Saturday. In a Saturday morning release, police stated, " Louisiana State Police have cancelled the Level II Endangered Missing Child Alert that was issued on behalf of the Livingston Parish Sheriff’s Office. Destiny... more » -
State Police whistleblower fired for criticizing department appeals termination Play Video
February 2, 2022 5:19 PM
BATON ROUGE- It's been nearly three years since Ronald Greene died in Louisiana State Police custody, and the agency has not fired anyone for his death or the subsequent cover-up. But the organization did fire the trooper who blew the whistle on it. Trooper Carl Cavalier formally appealed his... more » -
Two dead after head-on collision on US 167 in Vermilion Parish
January 23, 2022 3:50 PM
VERMILLION PARISH - A wrong-way driver caused a head-on crash Saturday night and killed two people. State Police said 18-year-old Ramsie Baumgardner was killed by 31-year-old Brandon Isaac, who was driving the wrong way down Highway 167 near Lurby Road. Crash investigators said Isaac's Chrysler 3000 smashed into... more » -
Bicyclist, 70, killed in crash on LA 21 in Washington Parish
January 22, 2022 11:41 AM
WASHINGTON PARISH - A bicyclist was killed Friday night in a fatal crash on LA 21. The crash claimed the life of 70-year-old Barry Seal. State Police say the collision happened shortly before 7 p.m. on LA 21 south of LA 436 in Varnado. Seal was biking... more » -
'I won't participate in the coverup:' State Police detective facing heat abruptly retires Play Video
January 5, 2022 11:08 AM
MONROE - Albert Paxton, a State Police detective whose notes on a trooper-involved death investigation showed attempts by LSP brass to muddy the truth, has retired from his position, WBRZ Chief Investigator Chris Nakamoto has learned. State Police confirmed Paxton submitted his retirement plan Monday and will formally leave... more » -
Child killed in crash after SUV careened into creek off Joor Road
October 31, 2021 9:04 AM
BATON ROUGE - An 11-year-old was killed in a crash Saturday night on Joor Road between Prescott and Greenwell Springs. State Police said Julian Jones died in the wreck. Investigators said the child was in an SUV being driven by an 18-year-old when the driver lost control and... more » -
Tributes to slain State Police veteran show his commitment to serving the community Play Video
October 10, 2021 11:43 AM
BATON ROUGE - Sunday morning brought a thread of tributes, honor and memories of a State Police trooper killed in the line of duty the day before. Master Trooper Adam Gaubert was slain in what State Police called a senseless act of violence, ambushed as he sat in his... more » -
Some 30 Louisiana State Troopers have died in the line of duty: See the memorial here
October 9, 2021 10:14 PM
BATON ROUGE - The death of a State Police trooper this weekend during a man's alleged deadly crime spree is one of a few who have given their lives on behalf of the State Police agency. State Police maintains a memorial at LSP Headquarters and a State Police memorial... more » -
Violent emergency landing hurts State Police chopper pilot Wednesday
October 6, 2021 6:05 PM
GONZALES - The pilot of a State Police helicopter sustained minor injuries in a crash landing near the regional airport in Ascension Parish Wednesday afternoon. According to flight data, WBRZ tracked the aircraft from the Baton Rouge airport and it is seen flying over the regional airport in Ascension... more » -
Trooper on leave, LSU investigating after complaints of 'inappropriate' post-game party with band members Play Video
October 6, 2021 2:11 PM
BATON ROUGE - Hours after a WBRZ inquiry from Chief Investigator Chris Nakamoto to State Police, troopers issued a mass statement to news outlets about a weeks-old investigation into complaints of a trooper and misconduct involving members of the LSU band at an away football game. Attorney and State... more » -
Louisiana State Trooper indicted in ongoing federal probe of agency's interactions with African Americans
September 23, 2021 3:52 PM
SHREVEPORT – A federal grand jury in northern Louisiana indicted a disgraced Louisiana State Trooper in yet another blow to the agency facing harsh criticism over its handling of troopers’ violent interactions with minorities, specifically African Americans. WBRZ reporter Chris Nakamoto and the WBRZ Investigative Unit have reported on... more » -
Law professor says State Police may have violated federal law in Ronald Greene coverup Play Video
September 13, 2021 5:26 PM
BATON ROUGE- An LSU law professor believes the RICO Act could be applicable for some Louisiana State Police (LSP) troopers who are tied to the death of Ronald Greene and the subsequent coverup. RICO, the Racketeer Influenced Corrupt Organizations Act, was passed in 1970 and is designed to go... more » -
Police identify bicyclist struck and killed on Ascension Parish Highway
July 10, 2021 12:28 PM
DUTCHTOWN - State Police are still investigating a fatality accident that happened Friday night on the I-10 overpass on Hwy. 74. State Police said 67-year-old bicyclist Donald Lacaze was hit by a pickup around 11 p.m. when the biker was cycling in the center of the southbound lane of... more » -
New memo from State Police, more than two years after Ronald Greene died, says don't 'destroy' case files Play Video
July 9, 2021 12:10 PM
BATON ROUGE – An ominous memo to State Police staff this week asked that any documents related to Ronald Greene be saved and, in an unusually straightforward note, not “destroyed.” Watch WBRZ News 2 newscasts all day Friday for new details – stream WBRZ newscasts here The memo... more » -
Nakamoto exclusive: Ronald Greene investigative notes show troopers asked for colleagues to be arrested Play Video
June 29, 2021 4:55 PM
BATON ROUGE – Rank and file state troopers wanted their colleagues charged in the death of Ronald Greene, a Black man who died after a bloody altercation while in State Police custody in May 2019, case notes leaked to WBRZ show. Watch the Chris Nakamoto tell-all exclusive on WBRZ... more » -
Top State Police attorney abruptly reassigned amid Nakamoto reports Play Video
June 23, 2021 2:29 PM
BATON ROUGE - The top attorney for Louisiana State Police was removed from her position Wednesday amid a handful of Chris Nakamoto and WBRZ Investigative Unit reports about State Police emails obtained by the TV station showing how top brass messaged to spin liability for the death of Ronald Greene.... more » -
Two state troopers fired, one tied to deadly arrest of Ronald Greene
June 9, 2021 2:04 PM
BATON ROUGE - One of several Louisiana state troopers implicated in the violent arrest of a Black man who died in police custody over two years ago was officially fired this week. WBRZ Chief Investigator Chris Nakamoto learned Wednesday, Louisiana State Police finalized Dakota DeMoss' termination and made it... more » -
State police probe coverup of Ronald Greene video within the department as troopers face firing
May 25, 2021 5:37 PM
BATON ROUGE – A review is underway within Louisiana State Police to determine how nearly two years elapsed before investigators realized there was more video of a deadly encounter between troopers and Ronald Greene. Greene died while in custody of troopers in Monroe. Amid a series of WBRZ Investigative... more » -
State police refuse to release video from deadly arrest despite it already being leaked out Play Video
May 19, 2021 5:37 PM
BATON ROUGE - Louisiana State Police is refusing to release body camera footage from the night troopers beat a man as they attempted to stop him for an unspecified traffic violation. Ronald Greene died May 10, 2019, but an administrative investigation was not opened until over a year and... more » -
Agents had eyes on killer dad with baby in tow, no AMBER Alert issued, troopers explain Play Video
May 3, 2021 10:30 PM
BATON ROUGE - State Police said an AMBER Alert was not issued for a 4-month-old baby taken on a wild and violent two-state run from the law Monday because the child and its father were within sights of authorities relatively quickly. Eric Smith shot and killed his ex-girlfriend and... more » -
INVESTIGATIVE UNIT: Dangerous trooper placed back in marked unit despite crash history Play Video
February 10, 2021 5:31 PM
MONROE - One week after the WBRZ Investigative Unit exposed that the son of former State Police Colonel Kevin Reeves is back in a marked unit and on patrol, we've uncovered even more taxpayer-issued units he wrecked for his previous employer. The Investigative Unit exposed Kaleb Reeves wrecked three... more » -
NAKAMOTO: Leaked training documents show arrested La. trooper lacked 'core values' to be state policeman Play Video
February 9, 2021 12:56 PM
BATON ROUGE- Training academy documents obtained by the WBRZ Investigative Unit through sources at State Police show one of four state troopers arrested Monday in an excessive force probe should never have been allowed to graduate from the State Police academy. CLICK HERE: WBRZ and Chief Investigator Chris... more »