SPRINGFIELD — Livingston Parish Councilman Dean Coates was arrested via a summons over the holiday weekend and has since apologized for his actions.
District 8 Councilman Dean Coates was pulled over Friday, April 18th, around 6pm on Hwy. 444 near Miller Rd. in Springfield for improper lane usage by a Livingston Parish Sheriff’s deputy. During the traffic stop, LPSO tells UWK that a deputy smelled alcohol and asked Coates to take a field sobriety test, but Coates refused and did not cooperate with the deputy. It’s why the deputy had to get a warrant for a blood draw. Toxicology results are pending to determine Coates’ blood alcohol content level.
The deputy took Coates to the Livingston Parish Detention Center, where he was given a summons for operating while intoxicated (first offense), improper lane usage, speeding and expired motor vehicle inspection. A summons is common practice for a first offense DUI.
Since the incident, the councilman has acknowledged and apologized for his actions.
Over the weekend, I was arrested for driving under the influence after leaving a crawfish boil. I take full responsibility for my actions—there is no excuse. I made a serious mistake that could have endangered others, and I am deeply sorry.
As an elected official, I am held to a higher standard, and I intend to earn back the trust I’ve broken. I am cooperating fully with the legal process and taking steps to ensure this never happens again.
I hope to be judged not just by this failure, but by how I respond to it—with honesty, humility, and accountability. ~Councilman Dean Coates
UWK did reach out to Councilman Coates for this report. He forwarded us to his social media response (above).
Download the Unfiltered with Kiran app from the Apple App Store and Google Play to stay updated on the latest news across the Capital area.
Support UWK and its mission to deliver The News You Deserve. Unfiltered. Become a monthly patron on Patreon today!
