PONCHATOULA — A Ponchatoula man was arrested after a domestic violence call turned into a brief stand off with Tangipahoa Parish Sheriff’s deputies.
Lou Stephens, 51, was arrested and charged with domestic abuse aggravated assault, resisting an officer, battery on a police officer, and attempted disarming of a police officer.
It was Oct. 25, around 5 p.m. when TPSO deputies and Ponchatoula Police officers responded to a home on N. 11th St. in Ponchatoula for a domestic disturbance. Officials say the victim had been physically abused.
Upon arrival, deputies said the victim told them what all happened. Deputies said that’s when Stephens allegedly armed himself with a knife and refused to exit the home. TPSO said, “To further complicate the matter, Stephens claimed to possess a firearm within the residence, intensifying the potential danger to law enforcement officers.”
The Tangipahoa Parish Sheriff’s Office Special Response Team was deployed and members of the negotiation team initiated contact with the suspect. Despite persistent efforts, Stephens would not cooperate and continued to barricade himself inside the residence. After unsuccessful negotiations, TPSO said they introduced a chemical agent, which eventually forced Stephens to surrender.
Stephens was arrested, but also transported to a hospital for a “thorough evaluation.” While at the hospital, TPSO said Stephens showed “combative behavior, striking a deputy in the face and attempting to disarm the deputy of his service weapon.” Fortunately, the deputy was able to regain control and successfully restrained Stephens.
Stephens was released from the hospital and transported to the Tangipahoa Parish Jail.
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