Louisiana Man Charged with Attempted Murder After Allegedly Intentionally Hitting A Deputy While Fleeing on an ATV

Louisiana – Louisiana State Police reported that on May 31, 2022, around 3:00 a.m., they were requested by the Plaquemines Parish Sheriff’s Office to investigate a serious injury crash involving one of their deputies that occurred during a pursuit. The accident happened on LA 407 near the Woodland Highway Bridge in Belle Chasse, Louisiana. Detectives from the Louisiana State Police Bureau of Investigations (BOI) are looking into the incident.

The Plaquemines Parish Sheriff’s Office was initially investigating two all-terrain vehicles (ATVs) for recklessly and illegally driving on public roadways in Plaquemines Parish. During the chase, the suspects split up, with one going to LA 406 and the other staying on LA 407. The ATV on LA 407 was driven by a subject later identified as Reginald Frederick Hamilton, 18, of New Orleans, Louisiana. Hamilton continued on LA 407, trailed by Sheriff’s Office units. As the pursuit approached the Woodland Highway Bridge, a Plaquemines Parish Sheriff’s Office deputy positioned his unit on the right shoulder in a well-lit area ahead of the fleeing ATV. The deputy then exited his vehicle and stood in the middle of LA 407, attempting to flag down the ATV. Hamilton approached the deputy and suddenly steered the ATV into him, striking him. Hamilton lost control of the ATV and was ejected as a result of the collision.

Both the deputy and Hamilton were seriously injured and are being treated at a nearby hospital. The second ATV and suspect were not found and are still at large. Detectives have obtained substantial evidence indicating that Hamilton purposefully steered into the deputy as part of the investigation. The 25th Judicial District Court issued an arrest warrant for Hamilton, charging him with Attempted First Degree Murder of a Police Officer, Aggravated Flight from an Officer, Reckless Operation of an Off-Road Vehicle, and Vehicle Not Equipped for Roadways.

Hamilton will be arrested and booked into the Plaquemines Parish Jail after being released from the hospital.

The Louisiana State Police is in charge of the investigation. Authorities indicated that this investigation is still ongoing, and more information will be released as it becomes available.

An arrest is an indication that probable cause exists to believe the subject was involved in the offense alleged. A person is innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.