Man drowns during theft getaway

A Golden Meadow man drowned while trying to swim across Bayou Lafourche in a getaway attempt following an alleged attempted theft.

According to the Lafourche Parish Sheriff’s Office, a Golden Meadow resident discovered a man attempting to steal a small generator from his carport on Friday morning. The suspect, Michael Gonzales of Golden Meadow, allegedly attempted to flee with the generator upon realizing he had been spotted. Gonzales dropped the generator and continued toward Bayou Lafourche, according to police.

Police said Gonzales entered Bayou Lafourche and tried to swim to the other side. A witness saw Gonzales go underwater and never resurface. Water Patrol deputies and Port Fourchon Harbor Police conducted a search mission and found Gonzales deceased later that morning.