Officer
suspended for unauthorized discharge of weapon
GONZALES, LA (THECREOLE) — Gonzales Police Chief Sherman
Jackson today confirmed that an officer within his department was recently
suspended due to an incident where his firearm discharged at a local
establishment.
On March 13, Officer Chase Delatte was off duty at The Crazy
Horse Too located on Hwy. 30 within Ascension Parish. During his visit, Delatte
made his way to the men’s restroom, where he made an adjustment to his personal
weapon, a Glock handgun, which was in an ankle holster. At this time, the
handgun was accidentally discharged by Delatte. Ascension Parish Sheriff’s
Officers were called to the establishment by management. Upon arriving, they
found that Delatte was no longer on site.
During the investigation, the Ascension Parish Sheriff’s
Office made contact with Delatte, who admitted the incident had occurred. A
case report was put on file and the on-duty supervisor with the Gonzales Police
Department, Sgt. Gary Ferrari, was notified.
Chief Jackson was then notified of the situation and Delatte
was served notification of an administrative investigation. During this
investigation, it was found that Delatte was in violation of Gonzales Police
Department policy. Delatte was suspended for three days. Although it is lawful
for a law enforcement official to carry a concealed weapon into any bar, the
Gonzales Police Department has a policy against an off duty officer carrying a
firearm into a bar.