Lafourche deputy bit in face by domestic violence suspect

A Lafourche Parish Sheriff’s Office deputy was bitten Friday night as he tried to help deputies detain a man suspected of having beaten a woman.

Deputies were initially called to 8874 Hwy. 308 to investigate a house fire, said Larry Weidel, sheriff’s office spokesman. Afterward, they went to Orange Street in Galliano in response to a medical emergency. While they were there, a woman pulled up in a truck and told deputies she had just been beaten by the passenger of the vehicle.

Jimmie Billiot, 35, of 122 Teles St., Bourg, was frisked. As deputies attempted to detain Billiot, he struck Deputy James Engel in the back of his head. Reserved Deputy Barry Parker grabbed Billiot by the arms and the two fell to the ground, Weidel said.

On the ground, Billiot continued to fight the deputies, resisting arrest. The Bourg man bit the deputy on the right side of his face, Weidel said.

Billiot was finally subdued and was placed in a sheriff’s office unit.

Parker was bleeding heavily from the face wound and was taken to Lady of the Sea Hospital for treatment, the spokesman said.

Billiot was transported to the South Lafourche Sub-station for chemical testing; however, he refused to provide a sample, Weidel said. He too was taken to Lady of the Sea Hospital for a blood test, which he also refused.

Deputies got a signed search warrant, and the blood test was performed.

Billiot was charged with his second DWI, aggravated second-degree battery, battery of a police officer, resisting arrest, aggravated assault, simple battery, illegal carrying of a weapon and criminal damage to property.

The woman who was allegedly beaten was directed to the LPSO’s services for victims of domestic violence.

State District Judge Walter Lanier Jr. set Billiot’s bond at $75,000. He also issued a stay-away order.

Billiot’s criminal history includes simple battery, aggravated assault, disturbing the peace and contempt of court charges, Weidel said.