Randy Smith, St. Tammany Parish Sheriff, has issued a public apology following his arrest on Thursday on charges related to an alleged attack at Keith Young’s restaurant in Madisonville that injured a long-time critic of the sheriff.
The incident occurred last Friday at the restaurant. First responders were dispatched after a disturbance occured in the restaurant's dining room. The arrest warrant reported that there were multiple 911 calls reporting the situation. Some callers described a victim being held in a chokehold by the sheriff.
Robert E. Couvillion, age 59, was found by first responders inside the restaurant with visible injuries and neck pain. Couvillion accused Smith of assaulting him, alleging that the sheriff choked, punched and kicked him before other people intervened.
First responders said that Couvillion had a split upper lip and an abrasion on his left elbow. He was treated at the scene, fitted with a neck brace as a precaution and transported by ambulance to a nearby hospital.
According to medical records Couvillion suffered a Level 2 concussion and displacement of his two front teeth, which investigators said meets the legal definition of serious bodily injury.
Deputies from the St. Tammany Parish Sheriff's Office arrived at the restaurant and began an investigation. The sheriff's office identified Smith as the suspect in the attack. The investigation was then taken over by the Louisiana Bureau of Investigation after LBI agents arrived at the scene. The bureau operates under the Louisiana Attorney General's Office.
Couvillion told the investigators that Smith approached him from behind while he was seated at the bar with his wife and placed him in a chokehold and pulled him from his stool causing him to strike his head on the floor. He said Smith punched and kicked him. Couvillion said that Smith repeatedly threatened to kill him during the altercation.
Investigators gathered 36 photographs documenting the injuries plus two videos and about one hour of surveillance footage from the restaurant's bar area.
According to the arrest warrant, the surveillance video shows Smith jumping Couvillion from behind, placing him in a chokehold, forcing him to the floor and repeatedly striking him.
The Louisiana Attorney General's Office announced it had arrest warrants charging Smith with one count of second-degree battery, one count of disturbing the peace by intoxication and one count of disturbing the peace in a violent and tumultuous manner. His bond was set at $10,000.
Smith surrendered to authorities at the Tangipahoa Parish jail on Thursday. He surrendered at the Tangipahoa jail because he could not be booked into his own St. Tammany Parish Jail.
Following his arrest the Sheriff issued the following public statement:
“I would like to begin by publicly expressing a heartfelt apology to the citizens of St. Tammany Parish; the dedicated men and women of the St. Tammany Parish Sheriff’s Office; the owners, staff and patrons of Young’s Steakhouse; and anyone else affected by this incident. To my family, and especially my wife, Adele, I apologize for the stress and burden caused to them by this situation.
As an elected public official and as a lifelong public servant, I fully understand and accept the fact that with this position comes not only great responsibility but also heightened public scrutiny. I understand and respect that the actions I take as Sheriff are open to examination, question and criticism. I accepted this fact when I put on the badge, and I know that it is one of the unfortunate aspects of public service. All law enforcement officers know and accept this, as they also know and accept the daily threat to their personal safety. It comes with the job.
Another unfortunate aspect of public service is the effect such public scrutiny and criticism can have on one’s family. This too, is accepted and endured by the family…to an extent.
For the past ten years I have ignored hundreds of personal attacks directed at me by an individual who hides behind a computer screen. His actions were direct and intentional. As Sheriff, I have ignored the attacks, threats and lies directed at me. As a husband and father, the continued and worsening public harassment of my wife, the false statements against her and the body shaming of her are not only despicable, but unacceptable. Seeing the frustration and pain caused to your wife and family is something much harder to ignore.
In closing, I would like to thank our friends, family and the many citizens of St. Tammany Parish who have reached out with prayers, encouragement and support during this difficult time. Your kindness and compassion means more to my family than words can adequately express. To the men and women of the St. Tammany Parish Sheriff’s Office, keep your heads up and continue to perform the excellent work you always do.
As I continue through this, I want to make a few things very clear. Actions have consequences. I will fully address my actions through the legal process. While doing so, I remain committed serving the citizens of St. Tammany Parish as your elected Sheriff.
Respectfully,
Sheriff Randy C. Smith
