Staff Report
In the wake of a fatal shooting in late December, a meeting to establish a neighborhood watch in Eunice is scheduled at 6:30 p.m. Jan. 24 at the Liberty Theater.
The panel will address concerns from citizens and as a group work on ideas and tactics to help each other solve, deter and fight crime in their neighborhoods, a news release from Eddie Thibodeaux, St. Landry Parish Sheriff’s chief deputy.
Thibodeaux also serves as the St. Landry Crime Stoppers coordinator.
The meeting is to discuss ideas and solutions and not to cast blame on anyone or any group, civilian or public servant, he stated.
“It’s time we come together as a community to combat crime,” he added.
The meeting is called by St. Landry Parish Sheriff’s Office, Eunice Marshals Office, Eunice Police Department, and St. Landry Crime Stoppers in conjunction with the Eunice Mayor’s Office and organizers of the Eunice Community Watch group.
In the Dec. 27 shooting, Scott Daville, of the 500 block of Juanita Street, was fatally wounded when he interrupted the early morning burglary of his vehicle.
Sheriff Bobby Guidroz said, “We urgently need your assistance to apprehend the criminals that are breaking into homes and vehicles in and around the city of Eunice.”
Also in the news release, Eunice Police Chief Randy Fontenot said, “Law enforcement cannot be everywhere, we need you to be the eyes and ears in your neighborhood then report it to us.”
Mayor Scott Fontenot stated, “I am urging citizens to attend the meeting to join forces with our law enforcement and come together to help protect our city.”
City Marshal Terry Darbonne stated “If you see someone in your neighborhood that you know doesn’t live there and is acting suspicious notify law enforcement so we can identify them.”
Thibodeaux stated, “I am reaching out to other city and state officials to come.”
Thibodeaux also urged citizens to download the P3 app on any mobile device to submit an anonymous tip or can call 337-948-TIPS (8477) to report any crime information.