Claiborne Parish, Louisiana - The Homer Police Department (HPD) began an investigation into a theft that was reported on Arthur Street in Homer, Louisiana on Monday, December 5, 2022. The officers from the Patrol Division, led by HPD Chief Elvan "Van" McDaniel, came across and apprehended an individual. Eventually, this person was charged with various offenses, including resisting arrest.

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Detectives from the Louisiana State Police Bureau of Investigations/Bossier City Field Office (LSP BOI BCFO) were informed by the Claiborne Parish District Attorney's Office about a complaint regarding the excessive use of force by the HPD. The LSP BOI BCFO Investigators examined the evidence that was given to them. After the investigation, it was alleged that HPD Chief McDaniel had used excessive force by repeatedly using a taser on a non-aggressive individual who was already handcuffed and lying on the ground.

After conducting a thorough investigation, the LSP BOI BCFO obtained an arrest warrant for Chief McDaniel, which led to his arrest. In continuation of the ongoing investigation, search warrants were obtained and carried out at both HPD and other related locations. On November 6, 53-year-old Chief McDaniel was officially booked into Claiborne Parish Detention Center on charges of aggravated battery and malfeasance in office.

As the investigation progresses and more information is gathered, it is possible that more charges may be filed or individuals may be arrested. Due to this ongoing procedure, the HPD will not be able to attend to incoming service calls. As a result, the Claiborne Parish Sheriff's Office will be responsible for addressing all service calls in the region. Additionally, Troop G will provide Troopers to support the Claiborne Parish Sheriff's Office during this time.

The Louisiana State Police will be in charge of investigating the matter. The investigation is still ongoing. As more information becomes available, it will be shared through collaboration with the Claiborne Parish District Attorney's Office and the LSP BOI BCFO.

The general public can access the Louisiana State Police online reporting system through a form that allows anonymous submissions. To find and access the form, individuals can visit http://la-safe.org/ and click on the "Suspicious Activity" link.

An arrest is an indication that probable cause exists to believe the subject was involved in the offense alleged. All persons are presumed innocent until proven guilty.