Road Rage Motive Behind St. Charles Parish Shooting

A 56-year-old Gulfport MS resident is behind bars in St. Charles Parish this morning while a St. Charles Parish Deputy remains under medical care following a shooting that happened yesterday morning.

Officials with the St. Charles Parish Sheriff's Office say that 56-year-old John Paul Devillier, a resident of the parish but currently residing in Gulfport, MS, became so agitated over having to wait for a deputy directing traffic that he pulled a gun and shot the officer.

St. Charles Parish Sheriff Greg Champagne explained what happened to the Louisiana Radio Network.

"Mr Devillier had to wait for traffic for a while, and for whatever reason became agitated. We believe that the deputy didn't get out and stop traffic for him."

That deputy, 36-year-old Corporal Burt Hazeltine had a brief confrontation with Devillier before Devillier left the scene only to return a short time later. When Devillier returned he parked near where the deputy was located and began to dangle a weapon out the window. According to Sheriff Champagne this is what happened next,

"At almost the same instant he began firing with the other hand through his windshield at Hazeltine. Deputy Hazeltine was able to return fire and was struck himself three times."

Deputy Hazeltine's most serious injury appears to be one sustained to his left eye. Speculation is the deputy might lose his sight in that eye.

Devillier is charged with first degree murder and is being held in the St. Charles Parish. A review of his past indicates that this is not his first violent act. According to court records Devillier has been charged previously with domestic violence and aggravated assault. He was also released from a position with TSA for conduct unbecoming.