St. Tammany Parish Sheriff Randy Smith turned himself in Thursday for allegedly attacking a man at a Madisonville restaurant.
He was booked at the Tangipahoa Parish Jail. He is being charged with second-degree battery, disturbing the peace by engaging in a fistic encounter, and disturbing the peace while appearing in an intoxicated condition.
His bond was set at $10,000.
“My office was asked to conduct an investigation into this matter. After the Louisiana Bureau of Investigation conducted a thorough investigation, charges were filed against St. Tammany Parish Sheriff Randy Smith,” said Attorney General Liz Murrill.
Arrest warrant:
New details about the attack that happened last week at a Madisonville restaurant involving St. Tammany Sheriff Randy Smith.
Arrest warrants detailed that Bobby Couvillion was sitting at a bar with his wife when Smith approached him from behind and placed him in a chokehold.
Smith then used the chokehold to pull Couvillion backward off the bar stool, causing him to hit the left side of his head and face on the floor.
Couvillion told police that Smith then began to punch and kick him in the face and body with his boot and threatened him.
According to the arrest warrant, witnesses corroborated that Smith initiated the attack from behind without prior confrontation between the parties.
Surveillance video of the incident was obtained by police, as well as a receipt from Smith’s visit with a total of $346.21, which included food and bar tab.
This bar tab included five glasses of Walking Fool wine, four Happy Hour Vodka Martinis, seven Titos Vodkas, one Tanqueray, and one Ketel One Vodka.
The arrest warrant also showed that the attack appeared to be unprovoked by Couvillion, with Smith attacking him from behind with no warning or signs, and Couvillion had little to no time to defend himself or de-escalate and protect himself from Smith’s attack.
Couvillion says he has several lacerations and contusions throughout his body. He also had a level two concussion and displacement of his front teeth.
Smith issued the following statement on the attack:
“I would like to begin by publicly expressing a heartfelt apology to the citizens of St. Tammany Parish; the dedicated men and women of the St. Tammany Parish Sheriff’s Office; the owners, staff and patrons of Young’s Steakhouse; and anyone else affected by this incident. To my family, and especially my wife, Adele, I apologize for the stress and burden caused to them by this situation.
As an elected public official and as a lifelong public servant, I fully understand and accept the fact that with this position comes not only great responsibility but also heightened public scrutiny. I understand and respect that the actions I take as Sheriff are open to examination, question and criticism. I accepted this fact when I put on the badge, and I know that it is one of the unfortunate aspects of public service. All law enforcement officers know and accept this, as they also know and accept the daily threat to their personal safety. It comes with the job.
Another unfortunate aspect of public service is the effect such public scrutiny and criticism can have on one’s family. This too, is accepted and endured by the family…to an extent.
For the past 10 years, I have ignored hundreds of personal attacks directed at me by an individual who hides behind a computer screen. His actions were direct and intentional. As Sheriff, I have ignored the attacks, threats and lies directed at me. As a husband and father, the continued and worsening public harassment of my wife, the false statements against her and the body shaming of her are not only despicable, but unacceptable. Seeing the frustration and pain caused to your wife and family is something much harder to ignore.
In closing, I would like to thank our friends, family and the many citizens of St. Tammany Parish who have reached out with prayers, encouragement and support during this difficult time. Your kindness and compassion means more to my family than words can adequately express. To the men and women of the St. Tammany Parish Sheriff’s Office, keep your heads up and continue to perform the excellent work you always do.
As I continue through this, I want to make a few things very clear. Actions have consequences. I will fully address my actions through the legal process. While doing so, I remain committed to serving the citizens of St. Tammany Parish as your elected Sheriff.”
Alleged victim speaks:
Couvillion said it is unacceptable for anyone, especially the highest-ranking law enforcement officer in St. Tammany Parish, to resort to physical violence.
Couvillion became emotional and choked up as he described the impact of the incident on his wife.
Restaurant surveillance footage reportedly shows the attack was unprovoked, with Smith allegedly assaulting Couvillion from behind without warning.
The injuries sustained by Couvillion, including a level two concussion and displacement of his front teeth, reportedly meet the statutory definition of serious bodily injury.
Couvillion expressed hope for justice, saying, “Knowing that justice will be served. I’m praying that justice will be served. I’m praying for the citizens of our parish of St. Tammany Parish that this doesn’t happen to any of them or any of their family members.”
When asked if he believed the incident would have been overlooked had he not spoken up, Couvillion said, “Absolutely. But I have to praise the attorney general’s office.”
READ MORE:Sheriff Randy Smith booked in connection to attack at Madisonville restaurant
