A St. Landry Parish Sheriff’s deputy who went on a New Year’s Day rampage at a bar in the Eunice area has been charged and resigned, according to Sheriff Bobby Guidroz.
Joshua John Courville, 32, of the 1300 block of Baron Avenue, Eunice is charged with sexual battery, simple battery and domestic abuse battery. All of the charges are misdemeanors. His bail was set at $5,000.
Courville also had served with Eunice Police.
Deputies arrived at the bar and learned there were several complaints of sexual battery, simple battery, and domestic violence from several females against Courville, the news release stated.
“The victim of the sexual battery stated that Courville approached her and grabbed her on her rear, then touched her inappropriately elsewhere on her body. She then pushed Courville away, and walked away. Courville then followed her and grabbed her again, then pushed her into other people at the bar. The victim then decided to leave the bar when Courville followed her outside. After the victim told Courville to leave her alone, he struck the victim in the face with his fist,” the news release stated.
The news release continued:
“She stated after seeing the action of Courville she pushed him against the wall and took his keys so he could not drive. She stated she was not going to allow Courville to drive due to his level of impairment.
“Courville then slept in his truck when his ex-wife went to check on him. Courville then attacked her and pushed her to the ground, punching her in the face. She was able to fend Courville off by scratching his neck and nose. Others at the bar helped her get Courville off of her and placed him back into his truck where he fell asleep until deputies were called and arrived.
“When interviewed by deputies, Courville had no recollection of the incident and was arrested without incident, Courville was immediately placed on leave from his duties at the sheriff’s office pending the outcome of an internal review by supervisors. The entire incident was caught on the bar’s security system.”
Guidroz stated, “One of the most disturbing aspects of a police administrator’s job is when one of your own deputies violates the law and is arrested. We must remember that law enforcement officers are not immune from arrests. If I have anything to do with the investigation and/or consequences, and there is clear and convincing evidence of a violation of the law, there will be disciplinary action taken. They must face the consequences of illegal behavior just as anyone else does. The public demands nothing less.”
Guidroz added, Joshua John Courville was a fine deputy with an impeccable work record. However, I will not tolerate this type of behavior with any of our employees, especially when they raise their hands to hit and strike a female. I will take swift action after the facts have been gathered and reported to me.”
- Log in or Subscribe to post comments.