EPSO Press Release on Brandon Messer Incident

Sheriff Eddie Soileau, of the Evangeline Parish Sheriff’s Office, issued the following statement:

On August 19, 2015 a concerned citizen came into the Evangeline Parish Sheriff’s Office to report that a white male identified as Brandon Messer had shot multiple rounds from what was believed to be an Assault Rifle in a neighborhood church parking lot killing a dog. There was many people in the parking lot at the time of the shooting. When confronted Messer threatened to shoot and kill the pastor along with members of his congregation. It was later learned that Messer would kill any Law Enforcement Officer that would attempt to apprehend him and take him into custody. Messer made it clear that he would not be taken alive. Evangeline Parish Sheriff’s Office was advised on multiple occasions of acts of violence from Messer to include him shooting at his father in which a Warrant of Arrest was authored and outstanding for Illegal Discharge of a Firearm. After speaking with the concerned citizen an additional Warrant of Arrest was authored on Brandon Messer for Terrorizing with a bond set at $150.000.00.
On August 20, 2015, during a routine neighborhood patrol an Evangeline Parish Sheriff’s Deputy noticed a vehicle fitting the description of what Messer was believed to be commuting in. The Deputy Sheriff followed the vehicle prior to noticing the vehicle slow down and a white male subject exit the vehicle from the passenger side and fled into a wooded area. The white male subject was later identified as Brandon Messer. The vehicle was then stopped and the driver was detained and later booked in the Evangeline Parish Jail for Accessory After Fact, Possession of a Schedule II Controlled Dangerous Substance (Methamphetamine and Hydrocodone), and Possession of a Schedule IV Controlled Dangerous Substance (Diazapam). Luther Eugene Messer (the father of Brandon Messer) was also arrested and charged with Accessory After The Fact and Interfering with the Duties of a Police Officer. Both subjects are still currently incarcerated and awaiting a bond.
Evangeline Parish Sheriff’s Office is still in search of Brandon Messer (White/Male, 145lbs, 5’7, black hair, brown eyes, 28 years old) was last seen on August 20th wearing a black shirt, blue jeans and white cap. Local residents are still advised to keep all doors of homes and vehicles locked until further notice. Anyone with information is asked to call one of the following numbers: Evangeline Parish Sheriff’s Office: 337-363-3345 Louisiana State Police: 225-262-5880