NEW ORLEANS — A Plaquemines Parish deputy trying to flag down a speeding ATV on Woodland Highway was intentionally struck by the vehicle and is in critical condition, Sheriff Jerry Turlich said Tuesday at a late afternoon press conference.
The deputy, whose name has not been released, is said to be critical, but stable. His injuries shook Turlich and his department.
"It's heart wrenching," he said. "I talked to his wife... To see my officer in that bed, critical but stable, is troublesome."
State Police said evidence strongly suggests that Reginald Frederick Hamilton of New Orleans was the person driving the ATV. He is hospitalized with injuries and upon his release he will face the following counts, among others: Attempted first-degree murder of a police officer, flight from an officer, reckless operation of a vehicle.
Turlich said that around 2:30 a.m. Tuesday, two four-wheelers were driving slowly down Woodland Highway into Plaquemines Parish without lights on.
"We've had a few burglaries, a couple of cars stolen," Turlich said.
Deputies responded and a pursuit ensued with the ATVs speeding on Woodland in the direction of Orleans Parish.
The deputy was trying to flag the ATV down and Turlich said he was struck on purpose.
"The bike would have missed him," he said. "At the last second it veered right at the officer."
The PPSO declined to name the injured deputy but did say he has been with the department for about 10 years.
"I'm tired of it," Turlich said. "My staff is tired of it. I'm sure New Orleans is tired of it. Jefferson is tired of it."
The Louisiana State Police has taken over as the lead agency investigating the case.
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