According to Sheriff Bobby J. Guidroz, “Deputies investigated a shooting that occurred on Bayou Jack Road in Northern St. Landry Parish on July 16, 2023 just before 7:00PM.” Reports indicate that a driver of a wrecker service was shot when he drove away with the owners’ repossessed vehicle. The owner of the vehicle followed the wrecker and then fired at the driver, striking the driver, a local church, and a home that were all occupied at the time. After the driver was struck, he released the vehicle and it crashed into a ditch in Avoyelles Parish.
The suspect was identified as Robert Tanner, age 55, of 1180 Bayou Jack Road and considers himself a sovereign citizen. Detectives obtained an arrest warrant for the shooting and criminal damage to property in the incident.
On July 17, 2023, SWAT members from St. Landry Parish Sheriff’s Office and the Opelousas Police Department served an arrest and search warrant on Tanner’s home. After a brief standoff, Tanner surrendered to authorities. Tanner was transported to the parish jail where he is still refusing to be processed and has no bond. The mugshot is from a prior arrest.
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ARRESTED
Robert Clifton Tanner age 55 – 1180 Bayou Jack Road, Plaucheville, LA.
CHARGES
Attempted Second Degree Murder (2 counts)
Criminal Damage to Property (3 counts)
Improper Telephone Communications (OPD)
BOND
None
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In an unrelated matter, Parish President Jessie Bellard made an official police report indicating that Tanner threatened him. Tanner was also charged on the case that is being handled by the Opelousas Police Department.
On behalf of Sheriff Bobby J. Guidroz, this is Deputy Chief Eddie Thibodeaux. All persons arrested are innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
