Louisiana Poacher Shoots At Game Warden
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March 20, 2007
A Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries Enforcement
Division agent arrested Coty L. Romero, 21, of Gueydan for alleged
aggravated assault with a firearm and hunting wild quadrupeds during
illegal hours on March 11 in Vermilion Parish.
Earlier that evening Agent Derek Logan received a report of frequent
night hunting in the area where Romero was apprehended. In the past
few months, agents have apprehended several illegal night hunters in
the same area.
Logan spotted Romero shining a light in a field off Vick Road. Logan
then proceeded to the area in his truck in an attempt to investigate
the activity. A shotgun was fired from the dark in the direction of
Logan's vehicle.
Logan accelerated his truck past the area of the shot and then
exited the truck and returned to the location from where the shot
had been fired. Logan finally located Romero shining a light down
the road toward his truck. From a safe position Logan illuminated
Romero with his flashlight and ordered him to drop his weapon and
lay face down on the ground. Romero later admitted to shooting at
Agent Logan's truck.
Romero was then placed under arrest, transported to the Vermilion
Parish Correctional Center and booked into jail. The investigation
is ongoing and further charges may be filed against Romero and a
female who accompanied him.
Seized as evidence in connection with the arrest was a
semi-automatic 12-gauge shotgun.
Punishment for aggravated assault with a firearm is a fine up to
$5,000, or imprisonment for up to five years with or without hard
labor, or both. The penalty for hunting wild quadrupeds during
illegal hours with artificial light is a fine up to $500, up to 90
days in jail, or both plus court costs.
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