Two Arrested After WPSO Deputy Confronted With Shotgun

Two Washington Parish men,  William “Bill” Ladon McNeese (age 54 and a resident of D.C. Crain Road) and Samuel R. Thomas, II (age 26 and a resident of Frank Dillon Road) were arrested on July 17, 2021 after an incident on D. C. Crain Road, north of the Pine community.

Responding to a disturbance call, a Washington Parish Sheriff’s Office patrol deputy encountered McNeese who outside a residence and carrying a shotgun. When the deputy approached, McNeese raised the shotgun and pointed it at him. The deputy quickly retrieved his own weapon and ordered McNeese to drop the shotgun. After a brief standoff, McNeese dropped both his shotgun and a knife. He was taken into custody.

Shortly after subduing McNeese, the deputy encountered Thomas who had outstanding warrants and the deputy arrested him also.

Further investigation at the scene indicated the incident began when Thomas assaulted McNeese and McNeese responded by retrieving his shotgun No one was injured during the tense encounter.

McNeese was booked into the Washington Parish Jail charged with aggravated assault upon a peace officer, being a convicted felon in possession of a firearm and possession of a firearm with an obliterated serial number. He has nine previous documented arrests since 2006 for offenses that include issuing worthless checks, three counts of failure to appear in court, illegal drugs, and traffic offenses.  

Thomas was booked into the jail on charges of simple battery, disturbing the peace by intoxication, domestic abuse and criminal trespass. He has four previous arrests since 2019 for offenses that include criminal trespass, disturbing the peace, failure to appear in court, criminal damage to property, burglary, and attempted burglary.  

“This dispute could easily have turned deadly without the quick action of our deputy,” stated Sheriff Randy Seal. “Anytime firearms are involved, there is the possibility of the scene becoming very ugly. I appreciate the patience and professionalism displayed by our deputy who was able to resolve this incident without harm to anyone.”