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St. Martinville deputy chief fired after officers testify he threatened to kill a resident
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ST. MARTINVILLE, La. (KLFY) -- The St. Martinville city council in a special meeting Wednesday night voted unanimously to terminate the police department's deputy chief. The termination comes nearly two months after he allegedly threatened to kill a resident.
His termination also comes nearly a decade after he was convicted of using excessive force while he was a deputy at the Iberia Parish Sheriff's Office.
"It was a tough decision, but it was the right decision only because he lost his cool. We can't okay that because then that allows other police officers to think that that's okay, and that's not okay anywhere," St. Martinville Mayor Jason Willis told News 10.
Sitting next to his attorneys, Cody Laperouse remained silent as the police chief and two other police officers explained what happened on Aug. 26.
Each testified that a man named Pat informed detectives there were threats made against Laperouse's mother. Rumors even suggested there was a "hit" out.
As St. Martinville police investigated, they brought Pat into the police station. When Laperouse saw Pat in the detective's office, two officers said Laperouse charged at Pat, screaming, "You [expletive] crackhead. I'll kill you."
A lieutenant said he had to physically restrain Laperouse.
"Cody Laperouse is a good officer, a great officer. I like Cody. He's definitely been a great part of the team, but I just think he lost his cool," Willis said. "I just think as a police officer, we're here to protect and serve."
Willis said the council's decision to fire Laperouse came down to protecting the police department's integrity.
"Me as the mayor, police officers as well, whenever we take that oath, we take that oath to be able to hold our temper and restrain and to protect people," Willis said.
Laperouse's attorney, Hunter Ahia, declined to comment but said they will be appealing the city council's decision.
Ahia claims a meeting between Laperouse and Police Chief Ricky Martin should have been recorded under the Law Enforcement Officers' Bill of Rights. Because that meeting was not recorded, Ahia said the city council's termination should be void.
The city attorney for St. Martinville said because the meeting was not an interrogation, a recording was not needed and the city council acted within their rights.