BATON ROUGE, La. (Louisiana First) — A Pierre Part man was charged with hate crimes and attempted first-degree murder after a shooting that involved an Assumption Parish Sheriff Deputy.
On Wednesday, state police issued an arrest warrant for Paul Blanchard, 60, for his involvement in the shooting that took place on Oct. 16. Investigators revealed that APSO Sheriff Leland Falcon was grazed by gunfire after arriving at an active scene.
Detectives learned that Blanchard confronted a man who was performing lawn care at a nearby home. During the encounter, Blanchard reportedly made racially charged remarks toward the man before he left. After a short while, Blanchard returned with a shotgun, firing a shot and striking the man. The man ran into the home as Blanchard followed him inside while still armed. Inside the home were three other occupants, including one juvenile. Blanchard exited the home, police say.
APSO deputies and Sheriff Falcon responded to the shooting, where they found the victim. While searching the area, deputies encountered Blanchard. Police say Blanchard fired a shot in the sheriff’s direction, grazing him. The deputy then returned fire, striking Blanchard.
Blanchard and the initial victim were taken to a local hospital with serious injuries.
After being treated for his injuries, Blanchard will be arrested and booked into the Assumption Parish Detention Center on charges of three counts of aggravated assault with a firearm, two counts of attempted first-degree murder, aggravated assault on a police officer, hate crimes, and aggravated burglary.
This is still an ongoing investigation.
APSO released a statement in regards to the investigation.
““Following the officer-involved shooting on Bayou Drive in Pierre Part, the Assumption Parish Sheriff’s Office requested the Louisiana State Police to conduct an independent investigation. Sheriff Falcon expressed full confidence that the LSP investigation will be thorough, precise, and impartial, with all findings submitted to the 23rd Judicial District Attorney’s Office for review and prosecution. He also voiced his trust that District Attorney Ricky Babin and his staff will ensure justice is served for all parties affected by this incident.”
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