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Belle Chasse – On May 31, 2022, around 3 a.m., Louisiana State Police was requested by the Plaquemines Parish Sheriff’s Office to investigate a serious injury crash, involving one of their deputies, which occurred during a pursuit. The crash occurred on LA 407 near the Woodland Highway Bridge in Belle Chasse. Detectives assigned to the Louisiana State Police Bureau of Investigations (BOI) are investigating the incident.

The initial investigation revealed that the Plaquemines Parish Sheriff’s Office was pursuing two all-terrain vehicles (ATV) for recklessly and illegally driving on public roadways in Plaquemines Parish. During the pursuit, the suspects separated and one traveled to LA 406 while the other stayed on LA 407. The ATV that was on LA 407 was driven by a subject who was later identified as 18-year-old Reginald Frederick Hamilton of New Orleans. Hamilton continued on LA 407 with Sheriff’s Office units behind him. As the pursuit approached the Woodland Highway Bridge, a Plaquemines Parish Sheriff’s Office deputy positioned his unit ahead of the fleeing ATV on the right shoulder in a well-lit area. The deputy then exited his unit and was standing in the middle of LA 407, attempting to flag down the ATV.  Hamilton approached the deputy’s location and abruptly steered the ATV into the deputy, striking him. As a result of the impact, Hamilton lost control of the ATV and was ejected.

The deputy and Hamilton both suffered serious injuries and are being treated at a local hospital. The second ATV and suspect were unable to be located and remain at large.

As part of the investigation, detectives have obtained substantial evidence indicating that Hamilton intentionally steered into the deputy. Detectives obtained an arrest warrant for Hamilton through the 25th Judicial District Court, charging him with Attempted First Degree Murder of a Police Officer, Aggravated Flight from an Officer, Reckless Operation of an Off-Road Vehicle and Vehicle Not Equipped for Roadways.

Upon Hamilton’s release from the hospital, he will be arrested and booked into the Plaquemines Parish Jail.

Louisiana State Police is the lead investigating agency. This investigation remains active and ongoing and additional information will be released when it becomes available.