Thibodaux cop fired for noose incident

A Thibodaux police officer was fired on Oct. 29 for carrying a small white hangman’s noose in his truck, and displaying a plate on his front bumper with a faded rebel flag.

Michael Rodrigue was found guilty of conduct unbecoming an officer.

The six-year veteran of the Thibodaux Police Department has until next week to file an appeal.

Police Chief Craig Melancon has ordered the removal of the noose, but not the flag, from the vehicle, saying the combination of the two items was a cause for concern.

Melancon said he has not seen the rope in Rodrigue’s truck, despite the fact the vehicle is parked just outside the chief’s office window.

Had he seen the noose, Melancon would have looked into the matter, he said.

Val Taylor, the Thibodaux City Council’s sole African-American member, has called for patience until all the facts in the case are known.