RSS Feed

On the afternoon of Aug. 8, the Vermilion Parish Sheriff’s Office received a request from the Vermilion Parish Coroner’s Office to present an Order of Protective Custody to a subject who was reportedly suicidal.
Deputies were dispatched to the subject’s residence where Abbeville Police Department was already on scene attempting to make contact with the subject. After numerous attempts, the officers remained unsuccessful and no response was received from inside the residence.
The subject’s wife requested that a welfare check be completed. Abbeville Police Officers attempted to enter the residence after the subject’s wife unlocked the door and the officers were ordered out of the residence by the subject.
Due to the nature of the complaint and concerns of the complainant, there was a heightened awareness of the threat to public safety. A perimeter was established, and negotiators were called to the scene, along with members of the Vermilion Parish Sheriff’s Office Special Response Team.
Upon arrival, the subject of the OPC was identified but refused to comply with VPSO deputies and barricaded himself in this home. The remainder of the VPSO SRT team was then activated and several peaceful but tactical efforts began, to induce his surrender.
After a three-hour standoff, the subject eventually exited the home peacefully and was taken into custody without incident. He was then transported by Acadian Ambulance to a local medical facility for evaluation.
Sheriff Langlinais would like to extend a thank you to the Abbeville Police Department and the Vermilion Parish Coroner’s Office for their collaborative efforts, which led to a peaceful resolution.

A Time of Remembrance will be held on Monday, August 12, 2024, at 11 a.m. at Fountain Memorial Funeral Home in Lafayette, LA for Annette Vincent Meaux, 85, who passed away on Wednesday, August 7, 2024, at her residence in Lafayette, LA.
Visitation will be observed at Fountain Memorial Funeral Home in Lafayette, LA on Sunday, August 11, 2024, from 4 p.m. until 8 p.m. and will resume on Monday, August 12, 2024, from 8:30 a.m. until the time of service at 11 a.m.
A Rosary will be recited by Tony Meaux on Sunday, August 11, 2024, at 6 p.m. at Fountain Memorial Funeral Home in Lafayette, LA.
A Eulogy will be delivered by Rick Nunez.
Interment will follow in Fountain Memorial Cemetery in Lafayette, LA.
Annette Vincent Meaux, was born May 7, 1939, on Pecan Island, LA and was a long-time resident of Acadiana. From an early age Annette valued education. Her accomplishment of graduating from Abbeville High School as Valedictorian, Class of 1957, was only the beginning. After high school, Annette graduated from the University of Southwestern Louisiana in 1973 with a Bachelor’s Degree, and a Master’s Degree in Business Education in 1976. Later, while teaching at Our Lady of Fatima Catholic School and raising a young family, Annette was determined to provide the best life and education for her own children. In the evenings, Annette would commute to Baton Rouge to obtain her Ph.D. from Louisiana State University, graduating in 1980.
For 31 years, Annette served as a distinguished professor at the University of Southwestern Louisiana, dedicating her career to researching and developing new curricula for the Department of Business Systems, Analysis and Technology. Her efforts and frequent publishing not only contributed to USL’s accreditation, but also put her students on a path to success in a technologically changing workplace. To Annette, education was never wasted. Going the extra mile was a given to ensure her students were armed to help themselves, their communities, and their own young families. In two of her papers, she focused on personalizing education based on personality types, and championed the multiplying value of mentorship among female executives. In addition to education and mentorship, Annette valued preparedness. Annette’s presentation and dignity set the standard in professionalism for both her students and colleagues. Dr. Vincent was simply classy in every way.
After retirement, Annette's beaming spirit extended beyond academia into the heart of her community. As an avid supporter of Big Band music, especially The Skyliners and the music of Bill Rosa, she loved dancing at the Petroleum Club on Friday nights with her husband Leo and beloved friends. For over 30 years, she was also an active member for the Krewe of Zeus, embodying the festive spirit and rich traditions of the Mardi Gras season. Her enthusiasm for dance, music and community involvement left a lasting impression on all who knew her.
Annette is survived by her beloved husband of 37 years, Leo Meaux, of Lafayette, LA; her daughter, Charla Mercier and her husband, Kurt, of Youngsville, LA; her son, Rick Nunez and his wife, Geralyn, of Houston, TX; her brother, Carlis Vincent, of Morgan City, LA; her four grandchildren, Elizabeth Stewart, Chuck Stewart, Lauren Nunez and Abby Nunez and dear family and friends.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Denward and Estelle Suire Vincent.
Honored to serve as Pallbearers are Rick Nunez, Kurt Mercier, Chuck Stewart, Mike Meaux, Brandon Danos and Craig Delahoussaye.
The family wishes to thank the staff of St. Joseph Hospice, especially her caregiver Bridgette Martin for the compassionate care given to Annette and her family.
Online obituary and guest book may be viewed at www.fountainmemorialfuneralhome.com.
Fountain Memorial Funeral Home and Cemetery, 1010 Pandora St., Lafayette, LA 70506, 337-981-7098 is in charge of arrangements.

A Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries enforcement agent cited three subjects for alleged oyster violations on Aug. 4 in Vermilion Parish.
Sgt. Justin Sonnier cited Jose Ayala, 53, of Dickenson, Texas, Manuel Ayala, 63, of San Leon, Texas, and Adrian Ayala, 29, of Dickinson, Texas, for unlawfully taking oysters from a private lease. Jose Ayala was also cited for failing to have written permission to remove oysters from a private lease and harvesting oysters from an unmarked lease.
Sgt. Sonnier was on patrol in the Gulf of Mexico near Southwest Pass when he observed a vessel with a crew actively harvesting oysters from a private lease.
Sgt. Sonnier made contact with the captain, Jose Ayala, and his crew and found them in possession of 29 sacks of oysters. During the compliance check, Sgt. Sonnier learned that the subjects did not have permission to be harvesting oysters from this private lease.
Sgt. Sonnier seized the oysters and returned them to the water.
Unlawfully taking oysters off a private lease carries a $900 to $950 fine and up to 120 days in jail. Failing to have written permission to harvest oysters from a private lease brings a $400 to $950 fine and up to 120 days in jail. Harvesting oysters from an unmarked lease carries up to a $350 fine.