Crime
St. Gabriel police officer Devin “Curly” Boutte found stabbed to death at home on Legion Drive
ST. GABRIEL, La. — A veteran police officer with the St. Gabriel Police Department was found stabbed to death in his home Sunday morning, July 6, prompting an outpouring of grief across the law enforcement community and the city he served.
The victim has been identified as Captain Devin “Curly” Boutte, 34, a respected and longtime member of the department.
Authorities confirmed that Boutte was discovered deceased at his residence on Legion Drive in St. Gabriel.
A suspect is currently in custody, and the Iberville Parish Sheriff’s Office is leading the ongoing investigation.
St. Gabriel Police Chief Kevin Ambeau expressed deep sorrow over the loss of his colleague and friend.
“It’s a dark day, not only at the police department, but for the entire City of St. Gabriel,” said Chief Ambeau. “He was loved by everybody. He was just that kind of officer — dedicated, approachable, and respected by all.”
Captain Boutte had served with distinction for many years and was known for his commitment to community policing and his positive presence throughout the city.
St. Gabriel Mayor Lionel Johnson also addressed the community’s grief, calling for unity and compassion in the days ahead.
“Please continue to pray for the City of St. Gabriel, our police department, and most importantly, for the family of Captain Boutte,” Mayor Johnson said. “There will be tough days ahead, but we will get through them together.”
Expressions of sympathy have poured in from across the state.
The New Roads Police Department issued a public statement extending condolences:
“Captain Boutte served his community with courage, honor, and dedication. His loss is felt not only by his department but by the entire law enforcement family across Louisiana. We stand in solidarity with our brothers and sisters in blue during this time of sorrow. May God grant peace, strength, and comfort to his family, fellow officers, and all who knew and loved him. Rest easy, Captain Boutte. Your service and sacrifice will never be forgotten.”
Further details about the circumstances of his death have not yet been released, pending the outcome of the investigation.
The community continues to mourn the loss of a beloved officer whose life and service left a lasting impact on many.
Crime
Venezuelan national Julio Cesar Sosa-Celis shot in the leg by an immigration agent in Minneapolis
On January 14, 2025, federal law enforcement personnel were engaged in a targeted enforcement operation involving Julio Cesar Sosa-Celis, a Venezuelan national who has been present in the United States since 2022.
The operation escalated into a high-speed pursuit, a physical confrontation, and an ambush by multiple subjects, necessitating the use of a defensive firearm discharge by a federal agent.
At approximately 6:50 PM, federal officers initiated a targeted traffic stop of a vehicle operated by Sosa-Celis.
The subject refused to comply with law enforcement commands and attempted to flee the scene.
During the pursuit, the subject’s vehicle collided with a stationary, parked car.
Following the collision, the subject abandoned the vehicle and fled the scene on foot.
A federal agent pursued the suspect on foot and successfully intercepted him. As the agent attempted to effect an arrest, the subject became combative, resulting in a violent struggle on the ground.
During this confrontation, two additional male subjects emerged from a nearby residence to intervene.
These individuals reportedly ambushed the agent, utilizing a snow shovel and a broom handle to strike the officer.
The situation escalated when the primary suspect, Sosa-Celis, regained his footing and joined the two additional subjects in the assault.
Reports indicate the suspect struck the agent with a blunt object (identified as either the shovel or broom handle).
Citing an immediate threat to his life while being outnumbered and actively assaulted by three individuals, the agent discharged his service weapon in self-defense.
The discharge struck Sosa-Celis in the lower extremity (leg). Following the shot, all three suspects retreated into a nearby apartment complex and initiated a barricade situation.
Following a brief standoff, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) successfully secured the perimeter and apprehended all three individuals without further injury.
Both the federal agent and Sosa-Celis were transported to a local medical facility for treatment.
Images from the scene showed Sosa-Celis conscious and alert during transport.
All three subjects involved in the assault are currently in the custody of ICE.
Further charges related to the assault on a federal officer and resisting arrest are pending review by the U.S. Attorney’s Office.