Natchitoches Parish Sheriff's Office

08/17/2026

Traffic Advisory La. Hwy 1 North of Cypress

Cypress-At 5:46pm, Natchitoches Parish Sheriff’s Deputies, Louisiana State Police and Natchitoches Regional Medical Center EMS were dispatched by NATCOM 911 Center to a reported overturned single-vehicle crash on La. Hwy 1 near Cypress according to the Natchitoches Parish Sheriff’s Office.

Units arrived on scene finding the sole-occupant of the 2003 Chevrolet pick-up truck reportedly uninjured.

The driver with a Houston address refused medical transport.

If you are traveling through the area, drive carefully and avoid distractions.

Troopers assigned to LSP Troop-E Alexandria are working the crash.

Deputy J. Bonner is on scene on behalf of the NPSO.

08/17/2026

Funeral Services Announced for Retired NPSO Deputy Sgt. Billy Joe Shugart Jr.

Natchitoches Parish-Billy Joe Shugart Jr., 68, passed away on August 13, 2026, surrounded by many of those who loved him most. Billy lived a life devoted to his family, his faith, and the service of others. Whether behind a pulpit, wearing a badge, serving at the fire station, or simply helping someone in need, he had a heart for people and a desire to make a difference in the lives around him.

Billy was born on December 19, 1957, and was raised in Austin, Texas, where he met the love of his life, Sherry Lynn Shugart. Together, Billy and Sherry eventually made their home in Provencal, Louisiana, where they built their life and continued their journey in ministry.

Service was a defining part of Billy’s life. He proudly served his country for six years in the United States Army. He was also a member of the Travis County Sheriff’s Posse and later served the people of Natchitoches Parish with the Natchitoches Parish Sheriff’s Office, retiring as a Deputy Sergeant and Chaplain after 15 years of service.

Billy also completed fire training through Texas A&M and served Natchitoches Parish Fire District 4 for more than 20 years as a firefighter, as well as a member of the Fire District 4 Board. His years in law enforcement and the fire service reflected the kind of man he was—someone willing to answer the call whenever his community needed him.

At the center of Billy’s life was his faith. A seminary graduate, he spent more than 20 years preaching and sharing the Word of God. His ministry was not limited to the walls of a church; it followed him everywhere he went. Through preaching, chaplaincy, public service, and everyday life, Billy had countless opportunities to encourage, comfort, and minister to others.

When he wasn’t serving his community, Billy enjoyed the things that made life a little sweeter. He loved fishing, traveling with his camper, watching NASCAR, building and working on racecars, and playing Wahoo with his family. In his younger years, Billy enjoyed dirt-track racing, which went hand in hand with his lifelong love of cars. His beloved dog, Echo, also held a very special place in his heart.

Above all else, Billy was a family man. He was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather who took great pride in the family he and Sherry built together. He cherished time spent with those he loved and never took for granted the moments they shared. His love for his family was evident throughout his life, and the memories, stories, and lessons he leaves behind will continue to be passed down for generations.

Left to cherish his memory are his loving wife, Sherry Lynn Shugart; his mother, Clara Shugart; his sister, Vickie Shugart; his daughters, Lorrie Brown and husband Jack, Elizabeth Shugart Behm and husband Matthew, and Heather Shugart Montoya and husband Bubba; along with his many beloved grandchildren and great-grandchildren, nieces and nephews, and extended family members.

Billy was preceded in death by his father, Billy Joe Shugart Sr.; his mother-in-law, Gloria Russell; and his father-in-law, Clyde Russell.

Billy leaves behind a legacy that cannot be measured simply by the positions he held or the years he served. It lives on in his family, in the community he served, in the people he ministered to, and in the countless lives he touched along the way. He will be remembered as a devoted husband, loving father and grandfather, faithful servant, and a man who spent his life caring for others.

His watch has ended, but his ministry, his example, and the lives he touched will carry his legacy forward.

Arrangements: Thursday, August 20th First Baptist Church Natchitoches 508 2nd St, Natchitoches, LA 71457 Visitation: 11:30 AM – 1:30 PM Funeral Service: 2:00 PM Graveside Service: Will follow the funeral at Roberts Cemetery, Harmony Road, Robeline/Provencal. Following the graveside service, family and friends are invited to gather at Natchitoches Parish Fire District 4 (Provencal) for a BBQ meal and time of fellowship in Billy’s honor.

Those honored to serve as pallbearers are: Jack Brown, Matthew Behm, Bubba Montoya, Tyler Brown, Bryce Nutt, James Toal, Jake Behm, Hunter Blair

08/17/2026

Read the new expanded Move Over Law.

Louisiana’s Expanded Move Over Law is NOW in Effect

DIFFERENT LIGHTS. SAME RESPONSIBILITY.

The light may be blue. It may be amber. It may simply be a stranded motorist’s flashing hazard lights. Whatever the color, give them room.

Louisiana’s expanded Move Over Law NOW includes disabled, immobilized, or nonoperational vehicles displaying hazard lights, flashing lights, or another emergency warning device.

When approaching:

• On a highway with two or more lanes traveling in the same direction, safely move into a lane away from the roadside vehicle.

• If changing lanes is unsafe or impossible, or you are traveling on a two-lane highway, slow to a reasonably safe speed and maintain a safe speed for road conditions.

The law continues to require drivers to yield the right-of-way to emergency vehicles using their audible or visual warning signals, unless otherwise directed by a police officer.

Whether it is a first responder, roadside worker, or stranded motorist, everyone deserves space to remain safe.

Move over. Slow down. Give them room.

08/14/2026

NPSO Extends Sympathy to Retired NPSO Deputy Sgt. Billy Shugart Jr.’s Family and Friends

This morning, the Natchitoches Parish Sheriff’s Office was deeply saddened to learn of the passing of retired NPSO Deputy Sgt. Billy Shugart Jr., who passed away on Thursday evening following a sudden medical event at a Shreveport hospital.

Sgt. Shugart faithfully served the citizens of Natchitoches Parish under the administration of retired Sheriff Victor Jones Jr.

Sgt. Shugart began his career with the Natchitoches Parish Sheriff’s Office in 2004 and retired in 2019 after 15 years of dedicated service. During his career, he served in the Patrol Division, where he earned the rank of Sergeant. He later transferred to the Warrants Division and concluded his career serving as a civil process server.

Sgt. Shugart served his country in the United States Army and was also a member of Natchitoches Parish Fire Protection District #4.

In addition to his regular duties, Sgt. Shugart proudly served as a member of the NPSO Honor Guard. As part of that service, he represented the Natchitoches Parish Sheriff’s Office in Washington, D.C., during National Police Week, joining law enforcement officers from across the nation in paying tribute to those who made the ultimate sacrifice in the line of duty.

Throughout his years of service, Sgt. Shugart was a valued member of the NPSO family, and we are grateful for his dedication to the Sheriff’s Office and the citizens of Natchitoches Parish.

Deputy Shugart was also deeply devoted to his faith and served as a Baptist preacher at area churches, faithfully ministering to members of his community.

Sgt. Shugart is survived by his wife, Sherry, his daughters, and extended family.

Sheriff Stuart Wright, along with the deputies and staff of the Natchitoches Parish Sheriff’s Office, extends our sincere condolences, thoughts, and prayers to Sgt. Shugart’s family, friends, former colleagues, and all who knew him during this difficult time.

We honor Sgt. Billy Shugart Jr. for his years of dedicated service and mourn his passing alongside his family and friends.

Funeral arrangements are pending.

08/14/2026

Traffic Advisory US-71 near Willie Cason Road

Fairview Alpha-At 7:30am, Natchitoches Parish Sheriff’s Deputies, Louisiana State Police, Natchitoches Parish Fire Protection District #9 and Natchitoches Regional Medical Center EMS are on the scene of a two-vehicle crash with non-life threatening injuries on U.S.-71 near the Willie Cason Road in Fairview Alpha according to the Natchitoches Parish Sheriff’s Office.

The scene is active.

Three patients were transported by EMS to a regional trauma center for treatment of injuries.

If you are traveling through the area, there may be a delay.

Troopers assigned to LSP Troop-E Alexandria are working the crash.

08/13/2026

Natchitoches Parish President John Salter Issues Burn Ban for Natchitoches Parish

Any questions, should be directed to the Parish Government Office.

08/13/2026

Natchitoches Parish Sheriff’s Office Advises Motorists to Reduce Speed in Fairview Alpha School Zone

CAMPTI, La. — The Natchitoches Parish Sheriff’s Office is reminding motorists to reduce their speed and use extra caution while traveling through the Fairview Alpha Elementary school zone on US-71, particularly during morning arrival and afternoon dismissal times.

During the first week of school, the Sheriff’s Office and patrol deputies have received complaints concerning motorists traveling at excessive speeds through the area.

Deputies will be conducting increased patrols in and around the school zone and will be monitoring traffic to help ensure the safety of students, parents, school employees, bus drivers, and other motorists.

Motorists are reminded to slow down, remain alert, avoid distractions, and obey all posted school-zone speed limits through all school zones throughout the City and Parish of Natchitoches. Drivers should also be prepared for increased traffic, school buses entering and exiting the roadway, and students and families traveling in the area.

Motorists are also reminded that speeding and other traffic violations in the school zone may result in citations being issued. Deputies encourage drivers to allow additional travel time during peak school hours and to exercise patience while traveling through the area.

The Natchitoches Parish Sheriff’s Office appreciates the public’s cooperation in helping us maintain a safe environment for our students, school employees, parents, and motorists.

Please slow down, stay alert, and help us keep our students and community safe.

08/13/2026

Traffic Advisory US-84 East of Clarence Remains Closed to Traffic

08/13/2026

URGENT - WEATHER MESSAGE

National Weather Service Shreveport LA

1220 AM CDT Thu Aug 13 2026
..HEAT ADVISORY REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 8 PM CDT SUNDAY...

* WHAT...Heat index values up to 109.

* WHERE...Portions of south central and southwest Arkansas, north
central and northwest Louisiana, southeast Oklahoma, and east and northeast Texas.

* WHEN...Until 8 PM CDT Sunday.

* IMPACTS...Hot temperatures and high humidity may cause heat
illnesses.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

Drink plenty of fluids, stay in an air-conditioned room, stay out of
the sun, and check up on relatives and neighbors.

Take extra precautions when outside. Wear lightweight and loose
fitting clothing. Try to limit strenuous activities to early morning
or evening. Take action when you see symptoms of heat exhaustion and heat stroke.

To reduce risk during outdoor work, the Occupational Safety and
Health Administration recommends scheduling frequent rest breaks in shaded or air conditioned environments. Anyone overcome by heat should be moved to a cool and shaded location. Heat stroke is an emergency! Call 9 1 1.

08/12/2026

Multi-Unit Response to Structure Fire Near Robeline

8/11/2026

Robeline-At 9:32pm, Natchitoches Parish Sheriff’s Deputies, and Natchitoches Parish Fire Protection District #7 with mutual aid assistance from Sabine Parish Fire District were dispatched by NATCOM 911 Center to a reported structure fire in the 200 block of Albritton Road near Robeline according to the Natchitoches Parish Sheriff’s Office.

Units arrived on scene finding the structure fully engulfed in flames.

There are no reported injuries.

The scene is active.

Deputy Sgt. T. Freeman is in scene on behalf of the NPSO.

The cause of the fire is currently undetermined.