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Previously charged with DWI, Louisiana police chief under investigation after car crash

VILLE PLATTE, La. (KLFY) — The Ville Platte Police Department is currently investigating a car crash involving Pine Prairie Chief of Police L.C. Deshotel.

This crash comes less than two months after Deshotel was charged with driving while intoxicated.

Chief Deshotel was arrested on Jan. 18 in Turkey Creek after being pulled over when Turkey Creek Police officers believed he was driving while intoxicated. Deshotel was issued a summons and the information of his arrest was sent to Evangeline Parish District Attorney Trent Brignac.

Less than two months after receiving these charges, Deshotel was involved in another car crash in Ville Platte this weekend, Perry Thomas, Ville Platte Chief of Police, confirmed.

“The only thing I have as of right now is that the Chief of Pine Prairie was involved in a crash here, I believe Friday afternoon sometime,” Thomas said. “But that is all I have.”

Accident reports by the Ville Platte police officer on the scene reported Deshotel’s vehicle was swerving in and out of lanes on Main Street. When another driver tried to avoid Deshotel, the vehicles collided.

No injuries have been reported from the crash, and both Deshotel and the other driver refused medical attention.

It is still unknown if Deshotel was driving while under the influence. Thomas said the investigation into the crash is ongoing.

Pine Prairie Mayor James West said he wants to wait until more information is uncovered before making a statement on Deshotel’s future.

Attempts to reach Deshotel for comment have not been successful.

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