Police officer allegedly used patrol vehicle to shine and shoot deer.
A Louisiana police officer is on leave after the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries say he used his patrol car to illegally shine and shoot deer with three other men, one of whom is a convicted felon.
In a press release, the LDWF identified the officer as Javarrea Pouncy, an officer with the Coushatta Police Department. Also cited in the incident were previously convicted felon Anthony Caldwell, Adam Caldwell, and Cederick Thomas.
Game wardens were patrolling near the east side of the Red River near Coushatta on December 5 when they heard gunshots around 8 p.m. Upon investigating, they observed a vehicle shining deer in fields on private land. KSLA News 12 reports additional wardens were called in to assist.
The wardens eventually stopped the patrol unit and confronted the suspects when the attempted to turn around on a narrow, one-lane road. Upon further investigation, the wardens discovered and seized an 8-point allegedly shot by Anthony Caldwell, and a spike buck allegedly shot by Thomas. They also discovered multiple firearms including at least one rifle with night vision.
The wardens also learned Anthony Caldwell was a convicted felon who was prohibited from possessing a firearm. He could be facing between five to twenty years in jail, and a fine of $1,000 to $5,000 for that. He may also be forced to pay a $2,033 restitution for the 8-point buck. In the meantime, he has been booked into Red River Parish jail.
Thomas may be forced to pay $1,624 in restitution for the spike buck. Adam Caldwell, Thomas, and Pouncy were cited for hunting without a big game license. Adam Caldwell and Pouncy are also facing citation for not having basic hunting licenses.
All four men are also facing trespassing charges from the Red River Parish Sheriff's Office. They may be hit with a $500 fine and up to 30 days in jail for those charges.
Pouncy's role in this incident may cost him even more in the greater scheme of things. His use of the patrol unit was unauthorized according to KSLA 12 News. The officer is now on leave and will face suspension while an investigation into the incident takes place. The LDWF's press release notes the Red River Parish Sheriff's office may hit Pouncy with more unspecified charges.
We'll keep an eye on this story and bring you more details as the case develops.
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