Following the arrest of a local bail bondsman James C. Bertrand, Chief Ben Bordelon of the Turkey Creek Police Department has released the initial report of the alleged incident that took place on Thursday, October 31.
According to the report, Turkey Creek officer Evan Lacross was assisting Ward 5 Constable Derrick Guillory to serve an eviction notice at a residence on Veterans Memorial Highway.
After advising the tenants at the residence of their rights pertaining to the eviction, Lacross and Guillory, “observed a black Dodge Charger arrive, and a white male subject, later identified as James Bertrand, exited the vehicle with a duty belt containing a handgun, handcuffs, and a taser electronic control device,” stated the report.
The report continued, “Bertrand then came to the property at which time he was advised that he was not allowed on the property and that he needed to leave or go stand by the tenants by the road. Bertrand refused to leave and began raising his voice saying what (the officers) were doing was illegal.”
At that point, the officers told Bertrand they were advised by 13th Judicial Court Judge Gary Ortego to proceed with the eviction. Bertrand was again told to leave.
The report stated, “Bertrand, then announcing himself as a bail bondsman, bounty hunter, and private investigator, stated he went and put down a $5,000.00 security bond to where the tenants would not have to leave and they would have an extension.”
An oral exchange between Bertrand and the officers continued with Bertrand refusing to leave two more times and culminated when Bertrand was placed under arrest.
Bertrand resisted arrest before being placed in hand restraints that were double locked. He was then placed into the back seat of a patrol unit after being disarmed of his duty belt, according to the report.
The report continued that Bertrand “stated he would like the tenant to take his vehicle back to his home along with his duty belt.”
Bertrand then stated he would leave the property if the handcuffs were removed, however, he was advised by Lacross “it was too late for that.”
Bertrand was then transported to the Evangeline Parish Jail. As he was being booked, according to the report, “he continued to curse and make unnecessary comments.”
June 13, 2026
