An Eunice High School assistant principal was arrested after a domestic incident on Monday involving his juvenile son and a St. Landry Parish Sheriff’s deputy.
Sheirff Bobby Guidroz, in a news release, stated Brett Andrew Semien,, 45, of the 900 block of Joe W Road, Church Point, is charged with cruelty of a juvenile, resisting arrest and simple battery on a police officer. The cruelty charge is a felony and the other two charges are misdemeanors.
The 14-year-old victim told deputies his father became upset when went into the house to notify him of a snake and had taken his eyes off the snake.
“The victim had been bitten by a snake in the past and was allergic to the anti-venom,” the news release stated.
“After the snake incident, Semien and his son (victim) went to the pasture to the bush hog it when the victim could not help his father connect the arms of the bush hog,” the news release stated.
“Semien once again grew angry with his (son) and got off the tractor, approached him, and punched him in the stomach knocking the air from his lungs making it hard to breathe. The victim then stated his father struck him a second time in the stomach which knocked him to the ground causing him to ‘blackout.’ The victim stated that while he was on the ground, he recalled his father kicking him in the chest,” the news release stated.
“While deputies were seeking medical treatment for the victim, Simien walked underneath the carport and became upset that deputies were talking to his sons. Semien was asked several times to wait by a four-wheeler but became upset and advised the deputy that he was not going to talk to his kids. Semien then instructed his sons to go into the residence,” the news release stated.
“Semien then approached the screened in patio door and was told to remain outside multiple times. Semien refused and was escorted back to the four-wheeler where he became very angry and was advised of his rights. When asked if he understood his rights, Semien volunteered to remain silent and did not wish to speak. Semien was told to stand up multiple times and initially refused then began removing his cell phone from his pocket. As the deputy approached Semien and was told not to resist, he stood up and was advised to turn around and face away multiple times and refused to do so,” he report stated.
“Semien then stated that he had a firearm on him and finally complied. When instructed to place his hands on his head, Semien began walking away. The deputy then attempted to place Semien in handcuffs and Semien once again resisted, striking the deputy in the chest area. After several commands to stop resisting, Semien complied and the firearm was removed from his waistband. Semien was transported to the parish jail for booking,” the news release stated.
Guidroz stated, “The fact that Semien was armed while he was passively then ‘forcibly’ resisting arrest and not complying with the commands of a deputy trying to render aid to a juvenile victim could have resulted in a deadly force encounter.”
Guidroz continued, ““I would like to thank both Semien and my deputy in remaining calm and de-escalating the situation. I urge everyone to comply with the lawful orders of an officer and if there is a problem the way a law enforcement officer handles a situation, to report it to their administration.”
