A Louisiana police chief begs the residents of the small town he protects for another chance after he was caught up in an explosive love triangle in which both he and his wife were shot – allegedly by his mistress.
In an open letter to the community, Opelousas Police Chief Graig “Zwilling” LeBlanc shed some light on the “unfortunate incident” that occurred the night of Dec. 22, which the police chief described as “deeply personal.”
“I want to be open with you.” “My actions have caused pain and heartache not only to my family, but also to our community,” the chief said.
“I would like to sincerely apologize to my wife and family. everyone involved and every single member of our community. “I understand the importance of regaining your trust and I am committed to taking the necessary steps to address this situation head-on,” LeBlanc wrote.
Police Chief Graig “Twin” LeBlanc (right) wrote an open letter to the community after he and his police captain wife Crystal (left) were allegedly shot by another officer, Savannah Butler
Boss LeBlanc had hired Savannah Butler to work under him but ended up having an affair with her
Chief LeBlanc and his wife Crystal LeBlanc, a captain with the neighboring St. Landry Parish Sheriff's Office, were allegedly shot by a woman the chief had recently hired for his police department, Opelousas Police Officer Savannah Butler, 42.
Chief Graig LeBlanc was shot in the hand, while his wife Crystal was struck in the arm by the same bullet outside Butler's home, the St. Landry Parish Sheriff's Office said.
Landry Parish Sheriff Bobby Guidroz said the shooting was the result of a domestic problem and occurred at a home just outside the Opelousas city limits.
Both LeBlancs – the police chief and his wife – were taken to the hospital to recover from gunshot wounds.
Meanwhile, Butler, who is said to have fired the gun, was arrested.
Crystal LeBlanc had gone to Butler's house to talk to her husband, who was already inside at the time.
In an open letter to the community, Opelousas Police Chief Graig “Zwilling” LeBlanc shed light on the “unfortunate incident” on the night of Dec. 22, which the police chief described as “deeply personal” and referred to his “infidelity.”
Opelousa Police Chief Graig “Zwilling” LeBlanc and his police captain wife Crystal LeBlanc are seen along with their children
Chief LeBlanc was shot through the hand. The bullet went through it and hit his wife's arm
When Graig LeBlanc came outside, the couple began arguing. Then Butler came to the door armed with her gun.
When Graig LeBlanc reached for Butler's gun, he was shot in the hand. The bullet passed through his hand and hit his wife, Crystal, in the arm.
The full picture only became clear when the chief explained to the locals what had happened and fully admitted the matter.
“I must acknowledge the role I played in this unfortunate situation,” LeBlanc wrote. '
“I have failed to live up to my commitment to uphold the standards expected of the police chief and, more importantly, to fulfill the trust you placed in me.”
“Infidelity is a breach not only of the personal commitments I have made, but also of the professional standards we all expect of those in public service,” he continued.
The incident occurred when Crystal LeBlanc (right) went to Savannah Butler's house to confront her. Her husband, Graig LeBlanc, left the house and was at Butler's house at the time
“I want to sincerely apologize to my wife, my family, everyone involved and every single member of our community,” Opelousas Police Chief Graig “Zwilling” LeBlanc said in an open letter
“I want to sincerely apologize to my wife, my family, everyone involved and every single member of our community.”
In what is sure to be an uncomfortable investigation, the chief also stated that he is “initiating an internal review to ensure that the actions of me and those within the Police Department uphold the values and integrity our community deserves.”
Butler allegedly cleaned up the crime scene to cover up evidence before notifying the sheriff's office.
She was charged with two counts of negligent assault, one count of obstruction and one count of illegal discharge of a firearm. She later posted $22,000 bail.
Captain Crystal LeBlanc was also issued a trespassing citation for entering Butler's home.
Captain LeBlanc and Officer Butler have both been placed on administrative leave. Butler was ordered to return her department-issued vehicle and all equipment she had and to “immediately cease all activity as a commissioned police officer.”
There are currently no charges pending against Chief Graig LeBlanc.