Opelousas couple defend their property from garbage truck

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OPELOUSAS, La. (NEWS 15) — An Opelousas couple was arrested after a shot was fired at a garbage truck that was mistaken for a trespasser, according to the St. Landry Parish Sheriff’s Office.

Kevin Bergeron, 49, is charged with illegal use of weapons, while Lori Gautreaux, 40, is charged with principal to illegal use of weapons.

Sheriff Bobby Guidroz said the incident happened on North I-49 Frontage Road near Bay Ridge Road on Thursday, November 13, around 4:30 a.m.

He explained that Gautreaux contacted the sheriff’s office to report someone trespassing on their property. He added that while deputies were on their way to the location, she called again and told dispatch that if the deputies didn’t arrive quickly, they would begin shooting, and a shot was heard during the call.

According to Sheriff Guidroz, a Bayou State garbage truck operator then called the sheriff’s office and reported that a man wearing just underwear was shooting at him and blocking his exit.

“The Bayou State truck was operating on a roadway for the purpose of collecting waste. That the residents stated that they ‘thought’ someone was trespassing or attempting to take physical property does not justify the use of a deadly weapon. The alleged actions of Bergeron and Gautreaux emphasize the importance of understanding the law involving the possession and use of firearms. We have highly-trained personnel on staff that stand ready to assist the public in receiving the proper training and education involving firearms,” Sheriff Guidroz emphasized.

He encourages anyone with additional information about the crime to contact the St. Landry Parish Sheriff’s Office at 337-948-6516.

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