Man arrested after 10 hour standoff in Abbeville

According to Sheriff Eddie Langlinais, in the early afternoon hours of August 22, 2024, the Vermilion Parish Sheriff’s Office received a request to assist the United States Marshals Service Fugitive Task Force, in reference to a wanted subject, Demarkus Johnson.
Johnson, 31, was wanted by the United States Marshals Service and the Lafayette Police Department on the charge of Armed Robbery.
Through surveillance and other investigative measures, Vermilion Parish Sheriff’s Office deputies and the United States Marshals Fugitive Task Force were able to confirm that Mr. Johnson was inside of the residence at 408 1⁄2 Schlessinger Street in Abbeville. With the assistance of the Abbeville Police Department, the Vermilion Parish Sheriff’s Office was able to set a perimeter for public safety.
The Vermilion Parish Sheriff’s Office Intelligence Division was able to confirm that the suspect, Johnson, was alone inside the residence. The Vermilion Parish Sheriff’s Office and Louisiana State Police Negotiations Teams negotiated with Mr. Johnson over several hours, in efforts to induce a peaceful surrender.
A search warrant was then obtained, allowing for entry into the home. The Vermilion Parish Sheriff’s Office Special Response Team (SRT) then made entry into the residence and attempted to locate and remove Johnson. During the search, it was found that Johnson had lodged himself in a small space between the ceiling and roof and had become stuck. Efforts then turned to rescue, to extract Johnson before more self harm was done. Eventually, Johnson was extracted from the crawl space and was immediately taken into custody by the Vermilion Parish Sheriff’s Office. Acadian Ambulance was allowed inside the perimeter where Johnson received medical aid upon removal from the residence.
Once medically cleared, Johnson was turned over to the custody of the United States Marshals Service Fugitive Task Force. Sheriff Langlinais is pleased to report that no officer or citizen sustained any injuries, and that the only injuries Johnson sustained were minor and self-inflicted from his efforts to conceal himself.
Sheriff Eddie Langlinais would like to commend and thank every officer and agency on scene. Sheriff Langlinais also said that this type of apprehension is a daily task for the United States Marshals Service and that his experience with that agency for 24 plus years allows him to fully understand the dangers of this type of apprehension. Sheriff Langlinais praised the unity and teamwork of the various agencies present and hopes that this is just one of many instances of the level of law enforcement collaboration the Vermilion Parish Sheriff’s Office brings.