A Louisiana police chief is pleading with the residents of the small city he protects for another chance after being caught in an explosive love triangle that saw both him and his wife being shot – allegedly by his mistress.
In an open letter to the community, Opelousas Police Chief Graig ‘Twin’ LeBlanc shed some light on the ‘unfortunate incident’ that occurred on the night of December 22, which the chief noted was ‘deeply personal’.
‘I want to be forthright with you. My actions have caused pain and distress, not only to my family but also to our community,’ the chief explained.
‘I want to express my sincere apologies to my wife, my family. all parties involved, and to each and every member of our community. I understand the importance of regaining your trust, and I am fully committed to taking the necessary steps to address this situation head-on,’ LeBlanc wrote.
Police Chief Graig ‘Twin’ LeBlanc, right, wrote an open letter to the community after he and his police captain wife, Crystal, left, were allegedly shot by another officer Savannah Butler
Chief LeBlanc had hired Savannah Butler to work under him but ended up having an affair with her
Chief LeBlanc and his wife Crystal LeBlanc, a Captain with the neighboring force, St. Landry Parish Sheriff’s Office, were allegedly shot by a woman the chief had recently hired to his police department, Opelousas Police Officer, Savannah Butler, 42.
Chief Graig LeBlanc was shot in the hand while his wife Crystal was struck in the arm by the same bullet outside Butler’s home, the St. Landry Parish Sheriff’s Office said.
Sheriff Bobby Guidroz of Landry Parish sheriff said the shooting was the result of a domestic issue and happened at a home just outside the city limits of Opelousas.
Both LeBlancs – the police chief and his wife – were taken to hospital to recover from gunshot wounds.
Butler, meanwhile, who is alleged to have fired the gun was detained.
Crystal LeBlanc had gone to Butler’s home to speak with her husband who was already inside at the time.
In an open letter to the community, Opelousas Police Chief Graig ‘Twin’ LeBlanc shed some light on the ‘unfortunate incident’ that occurred on the night of December 22, which the chief noted as ‘deeply personal’ and referred to his ‘infidelity’
Opelousas Police Chief Graig ‘Twin’ LeBlanc together with his Police Captain wife Crystal LeBlanc are seen together with their children
Chief LeBlanc was shot through the hand. The bullet travelled through it and hit his wife’s arm
When Graig LeBlanc came outside the married couple began arguing. Butler then came to the door armed with her gun.
As Graig LeBlanc reached out to grab Butler’s gun he was shot in the hand. Thebullet travelled through his hand hitting his wife Crystal in the arm.
The full picture only became clear once the chief put pen to paper to explain to locals what had transpired and fully admitted the affair.
‘I must acknowledge the role I played in this unfortunate situation,’ LeBlanc wrote. ‘
‘I have failed in my commitment to uphold the standards expected of the Chief of Police and, more importantly, failed the trust you have placed in me.
‘Infidelity is a breach of not only the personal commitments I made but also the professional standards we all expect from those in public service,’ he went on.
The incident occurred when Crystal LeBlanc, right, went to Savannah Butler’s house to confront her. Her husband, Graig LeBlanc, left, was already at Butler’s home at the time
‘I want to express my sincere apologies to my wife, my family, all parties involved, and to each and every member of our community,’ Opelousas Police Chief Graig ‘Twin’ LeBlanc said in an open letter
‘I want to express my sincere apologies to my wife, my family, all parties involved, and to each and every member of our community.’
In what will surely be an uncomfortable inquiry, the chief also stated how he is ‘initiating an internal review to ensure that the actions of myself and those within the police department uphold the values and integrity that our community deserves.’
Butler is alleged to have cleaned up the scene to cover up evidence before notifying the sheriff’s office.
She was booked on two counts of negligent injury, one count of obstruction and 1 count of illegal discharge of a firearm. She later posted a $22,000 bond.
A trespass summons was also issued to Captain Crystal LeBlanc for entering Butler’s home.
Captain LeBlanc and Officer Butler have both been placed on administrative leave. Butler was told to return her department-issued vehicle and all equipment she had, and to ‘immediately cease all activity as a commissioned police officer.’
Chief Graig LeBlanc is not facing any pending charges at present.