Police release name of Lafourche deputy killed when suspect rammed his police car

The Courier
·2 min read
1

Update:

The deputy killed by the car crash has been identified as Detective Sergeant Nicholas Pepper, 44.

What started as a routine traffic violation stop by the Houma Police Department became a high speed pursuit that stopped near Lafourche Crossing in Thibodaux. During negotiations with the driver, Pepper was blocking traffic with his vehicle. The Chevy Tahoe accelerated and rammed Pepper's vehicle injuring him.

Pepper was pronounced dead at Thibodaux Regional Health System. The suspect was taken into custody and transported to a local hospital with moderate injuries.

“Nick epitomized all that is honored and revered in a peace officer,” said Sheriff Webre. “The tremendous outpouring of love and gratitude from the community is truly appreciated. I ask that you continue to keep Sergeant Nick Pepper and his family, as well as our sheriff’s office family, in your thoughts and prayers.”

The late Detective Sergeant Nicholas Pepper, 44, who lost his life, Sunday, April 4, when a suspect rammed his vehicle. Pepper began his career at the Lafourche Parish Sheriff’s Office on October 15, 2007. He served his entire career in the investigations division, most recently as a supervisor in adult investigations.
The late Detective Sergeant Nicholas Pepper, 44, who lost his life, Sunday, April 4, when a suspect rammed his vehicle. Pepper began his career at the Lafourche Parish Sheriff’s Office on October 15, 2007. He served his entire career in the investigations division, most recently as a supervisor in adult investigations.

Nicholas Pepper began his career at the Lafourche Parish Sheriff’s Office on October 15, 2007. He served his entire career in the investigations division, most recently as a supervisor in adult investigations. According to law enforcement, Pepper was an integral part of nearly every major criminal investigation in Lafourche Parish for more than a decade.

Before his LPSO career, he spent time with the Houma Police Department and the Terrebonne Parish Sheriff’s Office, part of a law enforcement career that spanned nearly 24 years of service. Pepper’s wife, Christie, is employed through the Lafourche Parish Sheriff’s Office as an investigator for the Lafourche Parish District Attorney. He also leaves behind two daughters, Patience and Gracie, and a son, Nicholas Jr.

Prior Story:

A Lafourche Parish Deputy died after police say a suspect rammed the deputy's vehicle.

The incident happened Sunday morning and the suspect is in custody. The Lafourche Parish Sheriff's Office is not releasing the name of the deputy or the suspect at this time. Louisiana State Police are investigating the crash and the criminal investigation.

The suspect has been identified as male, and is currently hospitalized. No other information has been released from any of the agencies involved at this time.

According to a news release by the Lafourche Parish Sheriff's Office, the department received a call just before 4 a.m. Sunday morning about a car chase with a suspect fleeing from the Houma Police Department.

The pursuit led law enforcement through the Lafourche Crossing in Thibodaux where the suspect stopped. According to the release, during negotiations with the suspect, the person accelerated his vehicle into the deputy's car.

The deputy was rushed to a nearby hospital and later died.

“We are all processing and grieving this horrific and tragic death of one of our own," said Sheriff Craig Webre. "We are with the family providing them with support and prayers at this unbelievably difficult time. We ask for the community’s love, prayers and support as well.”

Further information, including the deputy’s name, will be released at a later time.

This article originally appeared on The Courier: Deputy killed suspect rams police car following chase