Charges pending in attack of Mamou officer

Submitted by admin on Thu, 03/20/2008 - 16:45

By: MICHAEL BORDELON

News Editor

MAMOU - Mamou Police responded to a disturbance Tuesday evening, March 18, at the 900 block of Pine Street.

Detective Todd Ortis said the official call stated someone had been struck with a two-by-four.

Officer Brent Zachary responded to the complaint and located those who were involved in the altercation. Onlookers identified the individual they said was responsible for striking another with a two-by-four, but that individual fled when approached by Zachary.

A brief chase followed until Zachary was able to stop the suspect on a vacant lot on Ninth Street. An altercation then ensued between Zachary and the suspect, as well as another individual who joined the chase. During the altercation, one of the males attempted to restrain Zachary’s arms and the other male proceeded to disarm Zachary, taking away his gun, impact weapon and chemical spray. Zachary received minor injuries in the scuffle and was treated at Savoy Medical Center. Zachary’s gun was never located.

On and off-duty officers converged on the scene and apprehended several individuals involved. They are:

•Marvin Thomas, 18, 901 Pine St., Mamou

•Allen Thomas Sr., 43, 386 Ossman St., Mamou

•Allen Thomas Jr., 20, 804 Fontenot St., Mamou

•Anthony Norris, 34, 904 Martin Luther King St., Mamou

Ortis said all are being held for investigation at the Mamou Police Department and the investigation is continuing into the role each played in this matter and in the battery of Zachary. Formal charges will be filed in the 13th Judicial District Court soon.

Ortis added due to the nature of this incident and the fact this incident took place in a high drug traffic and drug traffic loitering area, in addition to having an officer harmed in the line of duty, this particular area of town will be aggressively monitored and obstruction of public passages will not be tolerated.

Ortis stated, “We will have ‘zero tolerance’ in this area for loitering and congregating. This is just another example of disregard and total lack of respect for law enforcement, but this matter will not be ignored and aggressive measures will be instituted to ensure the safety and well-being of all officers. This type of aggression toward officers will not be tolerated and it will be addressed.”