The Opelousas chief of police turned himself into the St. Landry Parish Sheriff's Office on Monday after a warrant was issued for his arrest in connection to a Dec. 22 shooting in which his wife and he were injured.
Chief Graig LeBlanc, 45, turned himself into the St. Landry Parish Jail at 4:39 p.m. Monday, according to a statement from the sheriff's office. He is charged with obstruction of justice, malfeasance in office and failure to seek assistance. All are felony charges.
LeBlanc posted a $26,000 bond.
A related warrant was also issued for Tyrone Abrams, 49, an Opelousas Police Department internal affairs officer. He is charged with principal to obstruction of justice and malfeasance in office.
Abrams was allegedly at the home where the shooting took place on the night of the shooting, SLPSO Deputy Chief Eddie Thibodeaux said. Abrams is expected to turn himself on Wednesday, according to his attorney.
The SLPSO began its investigation shortly after the Dec. 22 shooting. So far, three people have been charged in the incident. LeBlanc, Abrams and Opelousas police officer Savannah Butler, the suspected shooter.
The shooting occurred after LeBlanc's wife, Crystal LeBlanc, showed up at Butler's home to confront LeBlanc, who was inside the home.
Authorities said a verbal argument broke out between Graig and Crystal LeBlanc when Butler appeared at the door with a gun. LeBlanc attempted to take the gun away from Butler when it went off, piercing LeBlanc's hand and striking his wife in the arm, according to police.
Both were transported to a local hospital with non-life-threatening injuries.
LeBlanc admitted to infidelity in a public statement on Jan. 2. The story gained attention from national media. LeBlanc responded to calls for his resignation with a promise to review his actions and gain the public's trust back.
Three weeks after the public statement, a group of Opelousas citizens requested a recall for LeBlanc citing the chief's actions, violating a policy against having sexual relations with direct subordinates and the department's inability to adequately tackle gun violence under his leadership as the reasons for losing faith in him.
Butler turned herself into the St. Landry Parish Sheriff's Office on Jan. 1 after a warrant was issued in connection to the shooting. Butler is charged with two counts of negligent injury, one count of illegal discharge of a firearm and obstruction of justice.
Butler was placed on paid leave by the Opelousas City Council on Jan. 9, pending the results of the investigation.
The investigation has been wrapped up, Thibodeaux said. A booking photo of LeBlanc will be released Wednesday morning.
It's unclear what next steps might be taken. LeBlanc is innocent until proven guilty and can still hold elected office. The recall petition is currently underway, according to Reed. At least 3,700 signatures are required for a recall election.
Want to help? The Acadiana Advocate has partnered with Report for America to fund this reporter position to cover rural areas and news deserts. Stephen Marcantel was hired for that position. Report for America covers part of his salary; in order to fund his continued reporting, we need donations from readers like you. Donate here