BELLE CHASSE (WGNO) – A Plaquemines Parish deputy is being recognized for preventing what investigators say could have been a deadly situation.
He’s credited with helping rescue a kidnapping and beating victim, and bringing down an alleged meth operation.
WGNO News Reporter Darian Trotter has details and the latest on the case.
Six Belle Chasse residents are behind bars for allegedly kidnapping and beating an 18-year old man.
“Fearing for his safety, he called the sheriff’s office,” said Plaquemines Parish Sheriff’s Office spokesman Eric Becnel.
The quick witted teen, felt trouble closing in around him inside a home located in the 400 block of Walker Road.
He dialed 911, but before help arrived he says his uncle Gregory Blanchard, and two other associates jumped him; because they believed he was under the influence of illegal drugs.
“Blanchard allegedly punched him three times in the face, when he fell on the ground Michael Hahn kicked him.”
Investigators say the victim was taken to a barn and tied to a chair.
When the deputy arrived he was told there was a mistake, and that there was no trouble at the location.
The deputy left, but because he felt something wasn’t right he came back.
“If it wasn’t for that persistence of the deputy coming back, investigating a little bit further I think we would have had more of a tragic situation; could have turned out worse than it really was.”
Investigators say Blanchard and Hahn are members of the LA Riders motorcycle gang; an affiliate of the outlawed Bandidos Motorcycle Club.
Both are known for relentless violence.
A search warrant issued on the property turned up weapons and materials used to make meth.
“Camping fuel, salts, batteries with lithium strips removed. Containers they used to cook the methamphetamines and just different supplies commonly used to make methamphetamines.”
Four suspects were arrested at the home; two others were arrested a short time later.
Now responding officers are being commended for prevented a situation that could have been much worse.
“When you mix meth with weapons and alleged believed gang members it could be a very deadly mix or dangerous situation; for the public as well as our officers,” Becnel said.
Late Thursday the victim was in the hospital being treated for his injuries.