Court date rescheduled for Feb. 7
The trial of John Paul Devillier, who has been charged with shooting St. Charles Parish Cpl. Burt Hazeltine in April of last year, has been delayed to Feb. 7.
The hearing was initially scheduled Dec. 5.The court date was initially scheduled on Sept. 13 at the state’s request.
This time, Devillier’s defense requested the delay and the prosecution did not object. Devillier, 59, is charged with attempted first degree murder.
According to the St. Charles Parish Sheriff’s Office, Devillier shot Hazeltine as the deputy directed traffic in a school zone near J.B. Martin Middle School in Paradis on April 16, 2015.
The Sheriff’s Office said the attack was brought about by an apparent case of road rage from Devillier becoming upset over the deputy not stopping traffic to allow him to turn.
After arguing with Hazeltine, Devillier left the parking lot and went to his father’s house, where he called the Sheriff’s Office and told the chief deputy that he was an NCIS agent. He demanded the sheriff come to the parking lot and the deputy hung up.
Devillier then reportedly returned to the scene of the argument to find Hazeltine. He summoned Hazeltine to approach his vehicle—the deputy noticed a weapon on the dashboard and drew his gun, demanding Devillier show his hands.
He then produced a second gun, firing several shots from that gun through the windshield at the deputy. Hazeltine survived the attack but suffered several injuries, according to the police report.
In August, Devillier was released from prison on a $750,000 bond on the condition he be subject to house arrest and live with a family member in St. Charles Parish.
Hazeltine said he was aware of the release at the time in a Facebook post.
“In the next couple of days you may see news about my case,” Hazeltine states. “The shooter has made bond and is being released on house arrest. We ask that you be kind in your words toward him and his family. We are dealing with this news as best we can and believing that all things work for good on our behalf and everyone’s really. Please keep us in your prayers as we deal with this latest development.”
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