A Ville Platte man was arrested Sunday, accused of holding people against their will during a stand-off with police.
Abselon Hebert, 23, was booked with two counts of false imprisonment, two counts of simple battery and a hold for a warrant issued by the Mamou Police department for criminal damage to property and simple escape, along with the warrant from Acadia Parish for aggravated second degree battery. Hebert was transferred to the Evangeline Parish Jail and is being held without bond.
Ville Platte Police Chief Neal Lartigue said the incident began at about 4 a.m., when someone called 911 to report that there was a fugitive with a gun inside of a Huey Long Street home. Police arrived on the scene and found that a man had escaped from Mamou Police in September 2017 and had been on the run ever since.
In addition to Ville Platte Police, the Louisiana State Police Swat Team, Evangeline Parish Sheriff’s Office and Ville Platte City Marshal’s Office arrived on scene to assist.
Witnesses told police that the man got into the home with a shotgun, and was holding a man and woman inside. Witnesses said the woman was the suspect’s ex-girlfriend. Witnesses reported that the suspect was pacing back and forth in the residence and was refusing to allow anyone to leave or to surrender to law enforcement. Louisiana State Police began negotiating with the suspect, the chief said.
After approximately five hours, the suspect surrendered to law enforcement and was taken into custody without incident. No injuries were reported.
Lartigue said he would like to acknowledge the quick response and assistance of the Evangeline Parish 911 Dispatch center and the Louisiana State Police Swat Team, Evangeline Parish Sheriff’s Office and the Ville Platte City Marshal’s Office.
Lartigue reminds residents to report any suspicious or illegal activity to the Ville Platte Police Department by calling 363-1313. Your call will remain anonymous.
