Louisiana State Police

TROOP G NEWS RELEASE
June 21, 2026

Troopers Request Public Assistance in Bossier Parish Fatal Hit-and-Run Investigation

Bossier Parish – On June 20, 2026, at approximately 10:30 p.m., Troopers from Louisiana State Police Troop G responded to a fatal hit-and-run crash on Louisiana Highway 3 near Courtney Lane. The crash claimed the life of 43-year-old Jerry Vest, Jr. of Mooringsport.

The preliminary investigation revealed that Vest was walking south in the left lane on Louisiana Highway 3 when he was struck from behind by an unknown vehicle. Vest sustained fatal injuries and was pronounced deceased at the scene. The unknown vehicle did not contact law enforcement and fled the scene in an unknown direction.

Impairment on the part of Vest is suspected. Standard toxicology samples were obtained and submitted for analysis. This crash remains under investigation.

Troopers are still working to identify the driver and vehicle involved. Anyone with information regarding this incident is urged to contact Louisiana State Police Troop G at 318-741-7411. Information can also be reported anonymously through the Louisiana State Police online reporting system by visiting lsp.org and clicking on Report Suspicious or Criminal Activity, or calling the Fusion Center Hotline at 1-800-434-8007.

Louisiana State Troopers urge pedestrians to remain vigilant while walking near roadways. Taking simple precautions such as wearing light-colored clothing, keeping safe distances from travel lanes, and walking while facing oncoming traffic can greatly reduce the risk of pedestrian-related crashes. Additionally, drivers need to be aware of the consequences of hit-and-run driving. Those who commit the crime of felony hit-and-run driving resulting in death or serious bodily injury can face fines of up to five thousand dollars and up to ten years in prison.

Contact Information:
Trooper Eddie Thomas
Louisiana State Police
Public Affairs Section-Troop G
Office: (318) 741-7411
[email protected]

Louisiana State Police and Colonel Robert Hodges are proud to announce that Lieutenant Stephen Hammons graduated yesterday from the FBI National Academy in Quantico, Virginia.

Lieutenant Hammons’s graduation is part of Session 298 of the National Academy, which included men and women from across the United States and several countries. Known for its academic excellence, the National Academy provides 10 weeks of advanced training in communication, leadership, and fitness. Participants must demonstrate distinguished professional performance within their agencies and typically serve in executive-level positions.

Lieutenant Hammons currently serves the Department as the Lieutenant over the agency’s Mobile Field Force, within the Crisis Response Section, which is responsible for responding to major events, natural disasters, and civil unrest statewide. Lieutenant Hammons began his law enforcement career in 2002 at the UL Lafayette Police Department and worked in the City of Broussard as a patrolman before beginning his career as a Louisiana State Trooper in 2007 at Troop I. During his 19 years with the State Police, he has served the agency in several key assignments, including Patrol, DWI Task Force, Public Affairs, and Crisis Response. He furthered his career by giving back to the agency by instructing in the fields of Standardized Field Sobriety, Less Lethal, and Radar/Lidar. Throughout his career, Lieutenant Hammons has contributed to numerous events aimed at strengthening public safety, including major annual events such as Mardi Gras, the Allstate Sugar Bowl, New Year’s Eve operations, the Bayou Classic, and Super Bowl LIX. Lieutenant Hammons and his team were part of the initial first responders to the Bourbon Street January 1st Terrorist Attack. He has led his team through many natural disaster response efforts throughout Louisiana and the Department’s Hurricane Helene response in North Carolina.

By completing this training, Lieutenant Hammons joins a long line of Louisiana State Police personnel who have successfully graduated from the prestigious FBI National Academy.

Held at the FBI Training Academy in Quantico, the same facility where the FBI trains its new special agents and intelligence analysts, less than 1% of law enforcement officers nationwide have the opportunity to attend the program. According to the FBI, nearly 58,000 graduates have completed the National Academy since its inception in 1935. Louisiana State Police is proud of its partnership with the FBI National Academy and looks forward to continuing to send future leaders through this esteemed program.

Sometimes the smallest gestures can make the biggest difference.

Yesterday, two of our Troopers had the opportunity to spend time with Sawyer and Livia as they delivered stuffed animals, coloring books, and other comfort items to Louisiana State Police.

These items will help our Troopers provide comfort to children involved in crashes, critical incidents, and other traumatic situations. In moments that can be overwhelming and frightening, something as simple as a stuffed animal or coloring book can help bring a sense of calm and security.

We are grateful for Sawyer and Livia’s kindness, generosity, and heart for serving others. Thank you for spending time with us and helping make a difficult day a little easier for the children we encounter across Louisiana.

STATEWIDE NEWS RELEASE
June 19, 2026

CANCELED Silver Alert: Assistance Needed Locating Belle Chasse Man

UPDATE: The Silver Alert for 60-year-old Robert Dampier has been canceled. He has been located safe. Please refer all inquiries about this case to the Plaquemines Parish Sheriff’s Office. Thank you for the assistance.

STATEWIDE ORIGINAL NEWS RELEASE
June 19, 2026

Silver Alert: Assistance Needed Locating Belle Chasse Man

Plaquemines Parish – The Louisiana State Police has issued a Silver Alert on behalf of the Plaquemines Parish Sheriff’s Office for 60-year-old Robert Dampier. He was last seen on June 18, 2026, at his residence on LA Hwy 11 in Belle Chasse at 8:00 p.m. LSP received the request to issue an alert at approximately 12:58 a.m.

Dampier is a white male with blue eyes and white hair. He is 5’11” tall and weighs approximately 180 pounds, and was last seen wearing a gray or green military-style long-sleeve shirt and tan shorts. He has two pairs of sunglasses on his head. Family reports that he has a medical condition that may impair his judgment.

Dampier is believed to be on foot, traveling in an unknown direction.

Anyone with information regarding his whereabouts is asked to immediately contact the Plaquemines Parish Sheriff’s Office at (504) 564-2525 or dial 911. All questions should be directed to the Plaquemines Parish Sheriff’s Office.

Contact Information:
Sgt. Jacob Pucheu
Louisiana State Police
Public Affairs Section
Office: (225) 925-6202
[email protected]

Troopers, in coordination with Agents from the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries, continue to monitor flood-affected areas throughout Avoyelles Parish as rising water impacts portions of the parish. Similar flooding conditions are also being experienced in other areas across Louisiana as severe weather continues to affect the state.

As part of ongoing response efforts, Troopers and Wildlife and Fisheries Agents are assisting the Avoyelles Parish Sheriff’s Office, other local law enforcement agencies, and first responders as they work to protect residents and respond to flooding concerns throughout the parish. Troopers and Agents are conducting door-to-door assessments to evaluate the impact of flooding on residents and their properties while also providing assistance to citizens in affected areas, helping address immediate needs and ensure the safety of those impacted by the flooding.

Residents are encouraged to remain weather aware and monitor local conditions. Avoid unnecessary travel whenever possible. If you must travel, always wear your seat belt, increase your following distance, and use extra caution. Never drive through flooded roadways or around barricades. Conditions can change rapidly, and what appears to be a passable roadway may be unsafe.

Road closures and detours can be found through the Louisiana Traveler Information System by calling 511, visiting www.511la.org, following LA DOTD on X, or using the Louisiana 511 smartphone application.

Motorists who observe hazardous road conditions or reckless drivers are encouraged to contact *LSP (*577) and report the activity to the nearest Louisiana State Police troop headquarters.

The Louisiana State Police remains committed to working alongside our local, state, and federal partners to protect lives, assist communities, and ensure public safety during this ongoing weather event.

TROOP L TRAFFIC ADVISORY
June 18, 2026

St. Tammany Parish - Louisiana State Police and other first responders are on the scene of multiple vehicle crashes involving a CMV eastbound on Interstate 10 near US 190 (Shortcut Highway) in Slidell.

Please adjust your travel plans and expect delays while first responders work to reopen the roadway.

For road closure information, motorists can utilize the 511 phone system. Please visit www.511la.org or download the Louisiana 511 mobile app.

Earlier this week, Louisiana State Police hosted our Patrol Administrative Assistants from across the state at the Joint Emergency Services Training Center for a two-day Professional Development Workshop.

The workshop provided valuable training and collaboration opportunities while also giving attendees a behind-the-scenes look at Louisiana State Police operations. From riding aboard the LSP helicopter and navigating the Emergency Vehicle Operations Center track to visiting the Fi****ms Division, Training Academy, Crime Lab, and Emergency Operations Center, participants gained a greater appreciation for the many ways LSP serves the citizens of Louisiana.

Our Patrol Administrative Assistants are much more than support staff. They are trusted teammates, problem solvers, and an essential part of our mission. Their dedication, professionalism, and commitment to excellence help ensure Troopers across Louisiana have the support they need to keep our communities safe.

We are grateful for each of them and all they do every day.

REGION 3 WELCOMES NEW TROOPERS
Troop E, Troop F, and Troop G

After 23 weeks of comprehensive mental, physical, and academic training, these Troopers were among the 43 members of Cadet Class 108 who graduated from the Louisiana State Police Training Academy on Friday. Following graduation, 12 new Troopers joined the Region 3 family and were welcomed by all.

Troop E – Alexandria
Tpr. John Boone
Tpr. Tyler Nelson
Tpr. William Rymer
Tpr. Beau Skinner

Troop F – Monroe
Tpr. Jacob Hamby
Tpr. Justin Horath
Tpr. Gentry Johnston
Tpr. Nickolas Moore
Tpr. Samuel Parker

Troop G – Bossier City
Tpr. Joshua Keeler
Tpr. Isaiah Phillips
Tpr. Anthony Visciotti

**UPDATE**
Water has begun to recede in the area, and the off-ramp has been reopened.

TROOP B TRAFFIC ADVISORY
June 18, 2026

Jefferson Parish – Louisiana State Police are on the scene of a roadway closure at the Interstate 10 westbound off-ramp at Power Boulevard due to standing water.

Motorists are encouraged to use alternate routes and expect delays in the area.

For road closure information, motorists can utilize the 511 phone system. Please visit Louisiana 511 or download the Louisiana 511 mobile app.

Louisiana State Police and the entire Louisiana Department of Public Safety family extend our deepest condolences to the Texas Highway Patrol.

We ask everyone to keep the family, friends, and coworkers of Trooper Sergio Romero in your thoughts and prayers during this difficult time.

It is with great sadness that DPS announces the death of Texas Highway Patrol Trooper Sergio Romero.

Trooper Romero was attempting to conduct a traffic stop along US-287 near Childress, around 4:00 p.m. on Wednesday, June 17, when a truck-tractor semi-trailer pulled out in front of him, causing his patrol unit to collide with the vehicle. Trooper Romero died on scene.

Trooper Romero answered the call to serve each day with honor and remained steadfast in his commitment to protecting and serving Texans. The DPS family will never forget the ultimate sacrifice he made in service of this state.

Full release: bit.ly/4vZULmw