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Brief
Homer Police Chief Elvan “Van” McDaniel was arrested Monday, Nov. 6, 2023, and charged with aggravated battery and malfeasance in office. His arrest stems from a December incident in which he allegedly user his Taser weapon multiple times against a theft suspect who was handcuffed and on the ground. (KSLA photo)
A northern Louisiana police chief has been arrested after allegedly using his stun weapon on a suspect who was already handcuffed and offering no resistance at the time.
A months-long Louisiana State Police investigation culminated Monday with the arrest and jail booking of Homer Police Department Chief Elvan “Van” McDaniel, 53, on charges of aggravated battery and malfeasance in office.
McDaniel’s arrest stems from his response to a Dec. 5 incident involving a report of theft. One suspect was arrested and booked on multiple charges including resisting an officer, according to State Police. The investigation determined McDaniel used excessive force when he deployed his Taser multiple times on the suspect, who State Police said was “non-combative” and “handcuffed behind his back and lying on the ground.”
The investigation continues and could result in additional arrests or charges, State Police said. In the meantime, the Homer Police Department will no longer respond to calls for service in the town, which has a population of roughly 2,500. The Claiborne Parish Sheriff’s Office will be dispatched instead.
McDaniel became Homer’s first Black police chief when he was sworn into office in January 2019.
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