Lafourche Parish Sheriff's Office News

Sheriff Craig Webre announced the results from seat belt checkpoints held on Wednesday and Thursday, as well as a DWI checkpoint held Thursday night. Deputies reported one arrest and more than two dozen violations during the checkpoints through which a total of 1,200 vehicles passed.
 
On Thursday, October 16, deputies began conducting a seat belt checkpoint at around 7 p.m. in front of the Lafourche Crossing 308 Fire Station along LA Highway 308 in Thibodaux. During this portion, deputies were main checking vehicles occupants for proper usage of seat belts and child restraints while also noting any other significant violations. Later Thursday night, deputies shifted their focus to screening drivers for possible intoxication. A total of 614 vehicles passed through the checkpoint, which lasted into the early morning hours of Friday, October 17. During the checkpoint, deputies arrested Chad Reinhardt (27, W/M) of Thibodaux after he was found to be in possession of Suboxone. He was transported to the Lafourche Parish Detention Center where he was booked and subsequently released after posting $2,500 bond as set by Judge John LeBlanc. Deputies also reported seven (7) seat belt violations, three (3) expired motor vehicle inspection stickers, and two (2) open alcoholic beverage containers, as well as an insurance violation, an expired driver’s license and one vehicle with an inoperable headlight.
 
After several recent severe and fatal crashes in this area, Sheriff Webre was pleased to hear that no one was arrested on DWI charges. “We have been partnering with Louisiana State Police to saturate traffic enforcement in this area to ensure the safety of motorists,” said Sheriff Webre. “With steep shoulders and large curves, this stretch of highway can be dangerous enough, and I am relieved to hear that no one compounded that danger by drinking and driving.”
 
“By publicly announcing and holding these checkpoints, we are aiming for 100% compliance from motorists,” added Sheriff Webre. “I believe these results are a testament to our continued efforts in DWI enforcement, and as dictated by the results, we will continue to raise awareness for seat belt usage, inspection stickers, and other traffic violations.”
 
The Sheriff’s Office’s ongoing year-long campaign to raise such awareness included a seat belt checkpoint during the morning hours of Wednesday, October 15 wherein a total of 597 vehicles were screened. The checkpoint was held in the southbound Lane of LA Highway 1 in the northern area of Thibodaux. During the checkpoint, deputies reported six (6) seat belt violations, two (2) child restraint violations, and five (5) expired motor vehicle inspection stickers.