Suspect Identified in Mandeville Police Officer Shooting Death

Shortly after 2:00 pm on September 20, 2019, the Louisiana State Police Bureau of Investigation was

requested by the Mandeville Police Department to investigate a shooting incident involving their officers. The incident took the life of Mandeville Police Department Captain Vincent “Vinny” Liberto, Jr.  and resulted in non-life threatening injuries to a second officer.

Preliminary investigation revealed that the incident occurred as a Mandeville Police Department Officer initiated a traffic stop on a vehicle. As the driver refused to stop, a pursuit ensued along U.S. 190 in Mandeville. During the course of the pursuit, the suspect’s vehicle crashed into the ditch along the U.S. 190 southbound off ramp to LA 22. As the incident unfolded, both Mandeville Police Department officers were shot by the suspect.

The suspect, identified as 21 year old Mark Spicer of Covington, has been charged with one count each of First Degree Murder of a Police Officer, Attempted First Degree Murder of a Police Officer, Aggravated Flight from an Officer, and Possession of Stolen Property (firearm). A passenger in the suspect’s vehicle sustained minor injuries in the crash. The investigation remains active and ongoing and no further information is available at this time.

Click to read previous related story "Video Report: One Mandeville Police Officer Dead, Another Injured in Shooting" and click here to read another previous and related story "Mandeville Police Department Statement on Fallen Officer"

Mark Spicer Pleads Guilty to Murder of Mandeville Police Captain Vincent Liberto – Sentenced to Life in Prison Plus 100 Years

District Attorney Warren Montgomery announced on Friday (October 13, 2023) that 25 year-old Mark Spicer of Covington pled guilty to first-degree murder, attempted first degree murder, aggravated flight from an officer, obstruction of justice by tampering with evidence and illegal possession of stolen firearms. Following the entry of the guilty plea, victim impact statements were read and District Judge Ellen Creel sentenced Spicer to life in prison plus an additional 100 years to run consecutively, without the benefit of appeal, commutation, pardon or parole. In addition, Spicer signed a Contract for Life Imprisonment Agreement prohibiting him from seeking any future modifications of his guilty plea or sentence.

Giving victim impact statements were Mandeville Police Captain Vincent Liberto’s widow, Tracey, and Captain Liberto’s sister, Camilla “Camey” Liberto Grau and good friend and neighbor, Dana Angelo Columbo. Mrs. Liberto addressed Spicer and said, “you’ve devastated and destroyed us and left our family broken.” “Look around and see all the people who showed up for my husband today…you killed the best human being any of us will ever know.” Ms. Grau told Spicer, “Today we close the chapter on you and throw the book away!”

For the past four years, the District Attorney’s Office has been persistent in its pursuit of the death penalty in this matter. Recently, at the behest of the victim’s family, the District Attorney’s Office began working on a possible plea agreement versus pursuit of the death penalty as Captain Liberto’s wife and other family members began to express their discontent with the lengthy and burdensome proceedings required in capital cases. They desired to have closure. Therefore, the above agreement was presented to defense counsel for Spicer and was accepted.

Following the court proceedings, a joint press conference was held by the Liberto family, the Mandeville Police and the District Attorney’s Office. Mrs. Liberto addressed the group gathered for the press conference. She explained how the family came to the decision to accept the plea agreement. She said, “We would specifically like to thank the Louisiana State Police Criminal Investigation Division, Sergeant Chris Anderson, the Mandeville Police Department, former chief Gerald Sticker, current chief Todd Schleim, the St. Tammy Parish Sheriff office, the St Tammany District 4 Fire Department along with all first responders. Also, District Attorney, Warren Montgomery, Assistant District Attorney Collin Sims, Assistant District Attorney Bruce Dearing, Assistant District Attorney Tiffany Dover, Assistant District Attorney Matthew Caplan, Chief Investigator Vince Saltaformaggio, Investigator Jason Garbo, Executive Assistant, Melanie Baldwin, Legal Assistant, Heather Legere and Supervisory Victim Witness Coordinator, Karen Arias. Together we can honor the legacy of my husband, Captain Vincent N. Liberto, Jr. and work toward creating a safer and more just society for all.”

Collin Sims of the District Attorney’s Office said, “We support the family’s decision to take the life plea. It was the best possible scenario to make sure the defendant doesn’t see the light of day.”

Mandeville Police Chief Todd Schliem said, “I have witnessed the relentless dedication and hard work of our district attorney's office in securing a conviction in this case. We cannot emphasize enough the importance of the teamwork displayed by everyone involved in prosecuting this case. We encourage you to continue supporting the Liberto family by keeping them in your thoughts and prayers as they embark on their healing process.”

Retired Mandeville Chief of Police Gerald Sticker, who was the Chief in 2019, said, “Justice is imperfect but Justice is coming for Spicer…he’ll have to stand before God.”

On Friday September 20th, 2019, Vincent ""Vinnie"" Liberto, Jr, loving husband and father to seven
children, was killed in the Line of Duty serving his community. The following are the events that occurred that day. 

While on patrol, Mandeville Police Officer Ben Cato attempted to stop a vehicle for lacking a license plate. The vehicle was being driven by Spicer, who refused to pull over and a high-speed pursuit began. After winding through various streets of Mandeville, the pursuit continued onto North Causeway Blvd. toward Covington. During the pursuit, Spicer armed himself with a firearm and began firing shots at the unit driven by Officer Cato, striking it multiple times. One of the bullets struck Officer Cato in the head, inflicting a nonlethal wound. As the vehicles crossed the overpass at Highway 22, Spicer’s vehicle shot across the median of North Causeway Blvd, across the lanes of oncoming traffic, onto the off ramp toward Hwy 22. Spicer lost control of his vehicle, causing it to strike the fence running parallel to the service road and rendering the vehicle inoperable. Spicer exited his vehicle while still armed with the firearm and fled on foot. Captain Vincent Liberto, who had joined the other officers assisting in the vehicle pursuit, attempted to intercept Spicer’s escape by placing his unit in Spicer’s path. As Spicer approached Liberto’s unit, he fired two shots through the passenger door window, striking and killing Captain Liberto. Spicer then entered a nearby McDonalds before fleeing into Beau Chene subdivision. Police officers from multiple agencies joined in the foot pursuit of Spicer, eventually apprehending him at a church adjacent to the Beau Chene subdivision. He was taken into custody, but no longer had possession of the firearm. When later questioned about his actions, Spicer claimed to have blacked out and said he had no recollection of shooting Captain Liberto. Officers canvassed the path of Spicer’s flight and located a Smith and Wesson .40 caliber handgun wrapped in a grey t-shirt in a garden of a Beau Chene residence. Laboratory analysis of the firearm later confirmed the presence of Spicer’s DNA. 

Captain Liberto succumbed to his wounds while still seated in his vehicle. Officer Cato was transported to Lakeview Regional Medical Center where he received treatment for his gunshot wound and was released the same day.

Captain Liberto was a highly decorated and widely respected law enforcement officer as well as a U.S. Marine Combat Veteran who served in Operation Desert Storm. The City of Mandeville recently erected a permanent memorial to him, near the area of his death on North Causeway Blvd.

At the press conference, Chief Schliem addressed the Liberto family, “I want to assure you that our support for you will not waver. We are here for you for as long as you need us. The memory of Captain Liberto will be cherished and honored by our department.”

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Murder Indictment in Mandeville Police Shooting

District Attorney Warren Montgomery reports that a St. Tammany Parish grand jury indicted Mark E.

Spicer, Jr. (21) of Covington, Wednesday (December 4, 2019) with first degree murder, attempted first degree murder, and three additional charges in a shooting that killed Mandeville Police Department Captain Vincent Liberto, Jr., and wounded a fellow officer on September 20, 2019.

Spicer also was indicted on charges of aggravated flight from an officer, obstruction of justice by tampering with evidence, and illegal possession of stolen firearms. He is accused of shooting Liberto and Officer Ben Cato as they attempted to make a traffic stop at the exit ramp from Causeway Boulevard to Louisiana Highway 22.

Liberto was a decorated U.S. Marine combat veteran who worked nearly 30 years in law enforcement, including 25 years at the Mandeville Police Department.

The investigation into the shooting was conducted by the Louisiana State Police with the assistance of local law enforcement agencies. “On behalf of the Mandeville Police Department, I would like to personally thank the Louisiana State Police for the hundreds of investigative hours they have put into detailing the events surrounding Captain Liberto’s murder,” Mandeville Police Chief Gerald Sticker said. “Their objectivity and consummate professionalism throughout this investigation is to be commended. As we enter the next phase in our pursuit of justice for Captain Vincent Liberto Jr. and his family, I am equally confident in the capabilities and resolve of our District Attorney’s Office. My department, my community, and I all continue to stand with the Liberto family and will do so through final adjudication, no matter the length of time it may take.”

Assistant District Attorney Bruce Dearing, Chief of Trials, presented the case to the grand jury and will prosecute it, along with Criminal Division Chief Collin Sims.

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Mandeville Police Department Statement on Fallen Officer

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Mandeville Police Captain, Vincent “Vinny”

Liberto Jr.

Captain Liberto was a highly decorated and respected law enforcement officer, who was known across the entire country. Captain Liberto graduated from Brother Martin High School in 1979, and after graduation joined the United States Marine Corps. Captain Liberto was honorably discharged as a sergeant, after serving his country for over 10 years. Captain Liberto joined the Mandeville Police Department in January of 1994. He climbed through the ranks and earned multiple prestigious awards during his years of service, including Officer of the Year. Captain Liberto was a graduate of the F.B.I. National Academy, and was also a polygraphist.

Captain Liberto leaves behind a loving wife and seven children. Several of his children are active law enforcement officers and military. Captain Liberto was 58 years old.

As mentioned earlier, any information in relation to the actual incident, resulting in Captain Liberto’s death, will be disseminated by the Louisiana State Police. There will be more information released about Captain Liberto, the man he was, and his services, at some point next week.

Thank you all for your respect, sympathy, and understanding during today’s incident. It will be a rough couple of weeks for the entire law enforcement community in the New Orleans Metro Area, especially the Mandeville Police Department.

See previous related story "Video Report: One Mandeville Police Officer Dead, Another Injured in Shooting"

Friday Evening Shootings in Mandeville Leaves Two Dead

Detectives with the St. Tammany Parish Sheriff’s Major Crimes Division were called to investigate a shooting which occurred Friday (July 5, 2024) evening, involving officers with the Mandeville Police Department.

The incident originated when a Mandeville Police Officer responded to a residence in the 700 block of Heavens Drive for a welfare check. Upon arrival, the officer heard a woman screaming inside. The female quickly exited the residence, alerting the officer that a male inside was threatening to kill her.  Seconds later, the male emerged, armed with a gun, and shot the female multiple times. 

The Mandeville officer verbally engaged with the male, asking him numerous times to drop his weapon, while taking cover and awaiting backup.  The officer attempted non-lethal force by tasing the male, who then pointed the gun at the officer. At this time, a second responding officer fired upon the man.

Both individuals were transported to a local hospital, where they succumbed to their injuries. The bodies have been turned over the St. Tammany Parish Coroner’s Office.

No law enforcement personnel were injured. 

“This is an example of the dangers members of law enforcement face every day when they put on their uniform,” Sheriff Randy Smith said. “Thankfully all of the officers came home safe last night, but it could very easily end very differently. My prayers go out to the families affected by this tragic incident.”

Video Report: One Mandeville Police Officer Dead, Another Injured in Shooting

The Louisiana State Police are investigating a shooting near Hwy. 22 and 190 in Mandeville,

Louisiana that occurred today (September 20, 2019) shortly before 2:00 PM. One Mandeville Police Officer is reported to be deceased and another injured from gunfire. Identities have not been released at this time. Two perpetrators are in custody.

More Information Released on July 5th Shooting in Mandeville

Click here for previous reporting

The St. Tammany Parish Sheriff's Office reports today (July 10, 2024), that the initial investigation into an officer-involved shooting, which occurred Friday (July 5) evening in Mandeville, has uncovered more information as to what transpired outside a residence in the 700 block of Heavens Drive. The investigation is still ongoing and detectives with the STPSO's Major Crime Unit, who was asked to investigate, continue to review body camera footage and conduct interviews.

As previously reported, the incident originated when an officer with Mandeville Police responded to a residence in the 700 block of Heavens Drive for a welfare check. While the officer was attempting to make contact with the individuals inside the residence, a female exited the residence, and alerted the officer that a male inside was threatening to kill her. She advised the officer that the male subject was going towards the back of the residence. 

As the officer was making his way towards the back of the residence in search of the male subject, the male exited the home from the front of the residence armed with a gun and immediately shot the female multiple times. A review of the officers’ body camera footage shows the officer reacted to this by returning fire, as he was retreating for cover. The subject raised his hands while still holding the firearm as the officer continued to give loud verbal commands to drop the firearm. The subject did not comply. Additional officers arrived and continued the attempt to have the subject drop the gun and be taken into custody. Those attempts included one of the responding officers using a non-lethal force option in deploying his taser. At that time, the subject pointed the firearm at the original responding officer, which prompted another officer to fire upon the subject. The male subject then fell to the ground. At this time, officers on scene began rendering aid to both individuals. 

Both individuals were transported to a local hospital, where they succumbed to their injuries.

New Orleans Teens Burglarize Two Gun Stores - Lead Slidell Police on High-Speed Chase

Five New Orleans teenagers are in custody for leading Slidell Police in a high-speed pursuit, after burglarizing two gun stores. It is believed that the five teenagers are part of a much larger group who have been plaguing St. Tammany, Orleans, and Jefferson Parish with burglaries, carjackings, and robberies.

Shortly before 3:00 a.m. this morning (Monday, April 27, 2020), Slidell Police responded to a burglar alarm at Paulie’s Pistols (3805 Pontchartrain Drive) and discovered the glass front door was shattered. Officers discovered a suspicious red Mercedes sedan in the area and attempted a traffic stop. The driver of the vehicle led officers on a high-speed chase across the I-10 Twin Span bridge and into New Orleans. A Slidell Police officer, who was waiting at the foot of the bridge, deployed spike strips and successfully ended the pursuit. The suspects are also believed to have burglarized another gun store in Covington, earlier in the morning. That incident is being investigated by the St. Tammany Parish Sheriff’s Office.

During the chase, the suspects began throwing several guns out of the car’s windows and on to the side of Interstate 10. Police located the weapons and discovered they were stolen from a previous gun store burglary at F.I.T.S. Indoor Range, which occurred on April 2nd.

Slidell Police, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), and the St. Tammany Parish Sheriff’s Office have been investigating a string of gun store burglaries, all of which occurred over the past two months. F.I.T.S. Indoor Range was burglarized on March 7th and April 2nd, and Arms Merchant, LLC (Mandeville, LA) was burglarized on March 29th. This past Friday, the ATF, in conjunction with the National Shooting Sports Foundation (NSSF) was joined by New Orleans Crimestoppers, and were offering a reward of up to $12,500 for information leading to the arrest and conviction of the person or persons responsible for the gun store burglaries. Those cases are still under investigation, and the reward is still being offered.

The five teenagers, caught earlier this morning are, just a small part of a much larger organization of juvenile criminals from New Orleans. Earlier this month, Slidell Police had another encounter with four teenagers in a stolen car. The teens were caught by a Slidell Police K-9 unit after leading officers on a high-speed chase throughout the city. The juveniles, who are also believed to be affiliated with this burglary ring, were all from New Orleans and linked to burglaries, carjackings, and stolen guns.

Slidell Police Chief Randy Fandal says, “I’ve said it time and time again, and my stance hasn’t changed. If you come to the Northshore to commit a crime, you will be caught. I will not stand for it, nor will our citizens. We work hard to keep a safe community, and we aren’t going to allow these teenagers to come and plague our city. My message to anyone thinking about preying on our community is this…we will not stop at the parish or state line. We will pursue you until you are apprehended.”

All five teenagers will be booked into the Florida Parishes Juvenile Detention Center with various burglary charges and possession of stolen firearms. The investigation is on-going and is being worked in conjunction with the ATF, St. Tammany Parish Sheriff’s Office, Louisiana State Police, and NOPD.

*NOTE* The photos posted are from various social media accounts of some of the suspects who are apparently posing with stolen guns.

TPSO Arrests 3 After Shooting at Deputies and Wounding K9

Tangipahoa Parish Sheriff's Office Chief Jimmy Travis reports the arrest of three individuals following an overnight (Saturday, October 1st) stand-off resulting from shots being exchanged and a TPSO K9 being wounded. 

Just before 10:00 PM Saturday (October 1, 2022) night, the TPSO received several calls about two suspicious males walking around with a gun in the Bedico Creek Lane trailer park off CC Road in the Bedico Community east of Ponchatoula. Shortly after arriving in the area, deputies located the subjects and almost immediately began taking gunfire. While one deputy attempted to detain 52 year-old James Loyd, a K9 apprehension was attempted, at which time the other subject, 21 year-old Thomas Loftis, brandished a handgun and fired numerous shots, striking K9 Bella in the jaw.

After deputies returned gunfire, the two subjects fled into the woods.

Loyd and Loftis were located about 1/4 mile away where they had barricaded themselves inside a camper on CC Road. The TPSO Special Response Team (SRT) responded along with the Hammond Police Department and Louisiana State Police SWAT teams and began negotiation efforts. A female, identified as 73 year-old Charlotte O'Reagan, exited the home and told deputies to "come back tomorrow". When further negotiations gave negative results, a chemical agent was deployed into the camper at which time all three subjects exited and were taken into custody just after 2:00 AM Sunday (October 2, 2022) morning.

Thomas Loftis was charged with Attempted First Degree Murder (2 counts) and Injuring of a Police Animal. James Loyd was charged with Accessory to Attempted First Degree Murder (2 counts) and Resisting an Officer by Force or Violence. Charlotte O'Reagan was charged Accessory to Attempted First Degree Murder (2 counts). 

"This incident could have ended much worse, and for that we are truly blessed that our deputies are safe and unharmed", says Chief Travis. "K9 Bella also put her life on the line last night to protect her partner. She performed her duties flawlessly and took a suspect's bullet which may have been intended for one of our deputies. While we expect her to make a fully physical recovery, it's our hope she will also return to duty as some K9s are unable to do so after an injury involving gunfire. We love our K9s as members of the TPSO family and wish K9 Bella a speedy return to health.

K9 Bella was transported to MedVet in Mandeville where she was treated for her injuries which thankfully were minor. The extent of damage from her gunshot wound was soft tissue only, and there was no evidence of tooth or bone damage. She is expected to make a full recovery. A special thanks to the Hammond Police Department, Louisiana State Police, and B.B Rayborn Correctional Center for their persistent assistance throughout this incident, and also to the veterinarian staff at MedVet for their urgency in caring for K9 Bella.”

*All persons accused of a crime are considered innocent until proven guilty.

Mandeville Man Gets 35 Years For Shooting At Police

District Attorney Warren Montgomery reports that Cory C. McDonald (41) of Mandeville pleaded

guilty Friday (June 7, 2019) to attempted first degree murder, second degree battery, false imprisonment, and resisting an officer with force. District Judge Alan Zaunbrecher sentenced McDonald to a total of 35 years in prison without the benefit of parole, probation, or suspension of sentence.

The crime dates back to January 19, 2018, when McDonald attacked a woman and held her inside a Mandeville home until she was able to escape and call police. St. Tammany Parish Sheriff’s deputies responded and found McDonald, armed with a shotgun and barricaded inside a small shed in the back yard of the property. While officers tried to negotiate a peaceful surrender, McDonald fired twice at them and narrowly missed striking one of the deputies in the head. After more than two hours, the department’s S.W.A.T. was able to enter the home and subdue McDonald, as he fought them.

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