The trial of John Paul Devillier, charged with attempted first-degree murder of St. Charles Parish Cpl. Burt Hazeltine in April of last year, has been delayed and his bond reduced.
Devillier’s trial date has been moved from Sept. 13 to Dec. 5 at the state’s request, according to court documents filed July 12.
Additionally, on request by his attorney Wendy Williams, Devillier’s bond was reduced by Judge Emile St. Pierre to $750,000 from $1 million. Williams could not be reached for comment as of press time.The move was granted on condition that if released on bond he would be subject to house arrest and must live with a family member in St. Charles Parish.
Devillier, 59 and a parish native, allegedly shot Hazeltine as the deputy directed traffic in a school zone near J.B. Martin Middle School. He was apparently upset over the deputy not stopping traffic to allow him to turn, according to the St. Charles Parish Sheriff’s Office.
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 allegedly produced a second weapon, firing several shots from that gun through the windshield at the deputy. Hazeltine survived the attack but suffered several injuries.
As of Tuesday, Devillier was still in Nelson Coleman Correctional Center.
A status conference for the case is scheduled Aug. 2.
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