Did This Terrebonne Parish Deputy Cross The Line During An Arrest? [VIDEO]
A viral video has many debating whether or not the unprofessional actions of a Terrebonne Parish Deputy should lead to disciplinary action.
According to a post from the Terrebonne Parish Sheriff's Office, deputies were called to 7077 Grand Calliou Road after a mother told dispatchers she needed immediate response because her son, 19-year-old Christopher Verdin, Jr., was high on Crystal Meth and she "feared for her life."
The video shot by Frankie Duplantis, the father of Verdin's girlfriend, shows an exchange of vulgarities between Verdin and Deputy Joey Cehan. The clip opens as Verdin can be heard suggesting that Cehan wouldn't be as tough without his badge and gun.
That's when Cehan responds, seemingly challenging Verdin to make good on his threats.
You want me to take this badge off me bro? Take this f---- badge off and these handcuffs off and see what the f--- you’re really going to do. You ain’t s---, you ain’t s---. I f--- dare you. Stick your f---- hands on me again. Do it. Do it again.
Some argued that Verdin needed to be "taught a lesson" while others—including the Terrebonne Parish Sheriff's Office—felt that the deputy was unprofessional and out of line. Sheriff Jerry Larpenter also feels Cehan acted unprofessionally and says there will be an internal investigation of the incident.
We are pulling all the tapes and there will be an internal investigation. We don’t tolerate that. We have never had any trouble with this officer before, that’s not his normal behavior. But you never cross that line and lower yourself.
In addition to the video recorded and posted to Facebook, there should be three other videos from the body cams of the deputies on the scene. There has been speculation as to whether Cehan's body camera was on during the arrest, but investigators will know soon enough.
Some experts have suggested all of the deputies should be fired—Cehan for his exchange with Verdin, and the other officers for standing around and letting it happen. Do you agree or disagree?
What disciplinary action, if any, should be taken? Sound off in the comments below.