Opelousas Police Confirm Officer Under Investigation

An attorney representing 18-year-old Jonah Coleman along with the young man's family is looking for answers from Opelousas Police. It is alleged that in October of 2019 an Opelousas Police Officer beat the young man while in a room at Opelousas General Hospital.

It is alleged that while no weapons were involved in the incident the officer in question put his arm around the young man's neck. The 18-year-old had been sent to the hospital by his parents to be checked out and was not in police custody.

Louisiana State Police have concluded their investigation and the findings of that report have been turned over to the St. Landry Parish District Attorney's Office for review.

Attorney Daryl Kevin Washington spoke with KATC television about the incident and the report. Washington told the television station that they are demanding that the officer who was involved be terminated from the Opelousas Police force. Washington also believes the officer should be brought up on criminal charges as well.

Opelousas Police Chief Martin McLendon did confirm with the television station that the officer in question is on administrative leave. We can only assume pending the outcome of the District Attorney's findings. The officer in question has not been named because he has not formally been charged.