Chief A. Perry Thomas

Ville Platte Police Department

*******Press Release*******

Date: April 30, 2025

Subject: Shooting Investigation

Chief A. Perry Thomas reports that the Ville Platte Police Department is currently investigating a shooting that occurred Tuesday, April 29, 2025, at approximately 10:50 a.m. near James Stephens Montessori School. While no one was injured, the school was put on lockdown as a precaution. A group of five people on the street claimed a man shot at them. That man was apprehended and arrested. Later that day, that suspect’s family member produced video footage, proving his innocence. He was released, and now police are looking for the ones who made the false claims.

This case remains under investigation. Chief Thomas asks if anyone has information about these crimes to please call the Ville Platte Police Department at 337-363-1316. All calls will remain anonymous.

Sheriff Charles R. Guillory

Evangeline Parish Sheriff’s Office

200 Court Street Ville Platte, LA 70586

She said the victim gave her several drones for safekeeping, but she doesn’t know where they are now. Detectives also learned that Sonnier had the victim, who was in the late stages of dementia, sign checks for her and give her a debit card to make purchases at nail and hair salons and make cash withdrawals totaling $1,395.50.

On April 28^th, Sonnier was arrested and booked into the parish jail for the charges of “Exploitation of the Infirmed, Theft, and Monetary Instrument Abuse.” She was later released on a $30,000 bond.

As always, Sheriff Charles R. Guillory and the Evangeline Parish Sheriff’s Office is seeking information on criminal activity and urges the public to contact their Investigation Department via phone at 337-363-2161 or through the agency’s website at www.evangelineparishsheriff.org.  Any person reporting information will remain anonymous. All suspects are considered innocent until proven guilty.