Winnfield officer put on leave after allegedly tasing suspect
By: Darryl D. Smith
Issue date: 1/31/08 Section: News
Dubbed a "great place to retire," Winfield is known for breeding one of Louisiana's most popular governors by the name of Huey P. Long. Though Winnfield has one of the more popular governors, the city has a dark side.
On Jan. 12, Baron "Scooter" Collins turned 21. Collins was killed five days later on Jan. 17. While full details have not been brought out, Reverend Randy Jewitt has shared what he does know.
Jewitt, a minister of Holland Grove Missionary Baptist Church, said that from what he's gathered, Collins was allegedly tasered three to six times after being chased by a city police officer.
"Allegedly, (the city police) are saying that there was a bench warrant out for Collins arrest concerning the suspicion of felony drug distribution charges," Jewitt explained. "We haven't gotten all the details on all of that. They are not giving us any information on that."
After Collins was confronted, he was chased into the Kay's Food Market parking lot, where he was handcuffed. After being handcuffed, Winnfield city police officer Scott Nugen allegedly tasered Collins three to six times in front of dozens of eye witnesses, according to Jewitt.
Collins was then transported to the Winnfield City Police Department where he complained of having chest pains. Collins was then transported to the local hospital where he was pronounced dead. Jewitt said he cannot confirm whether Collins died at the police station or at the hospital.
However, one thing is clear.
"He's not with us no more," Jewitt said solemnly. "It's tragic that this young man's life was taken at the hands of a police."
According to Jewitt, Nugen has been placed on paid administrative leave, pending the results of the investigation and the autopsy. Nugen has said that the city is following protocol, but he is still angered by the slow response.
"After the incident happened, the police officer was on duty for almost two weeks," Jewitt said. Jewitt explained that the current police chief does not have the authority to hire or fire officers nor place officers on administrative leave.
On Jan. 12, Baron "Scooter" Collins turned 21. Collins was killed five days later on Jan. 17. While full details have not been brought out, Reverend Randy Jewitt has shared what he does know.
Jewitt, a minister of Holland Grove Missionary Baptist Church, said that from what he's gathered, Collins was allegedly tasered three to six times after being chased by a city police officer.
"Allegedly, (the city police) are saying that there was a bench warrant out for Collins arrest concerning the suspicion of felony drug distribution charges," Jewitt explained. "We haven't gotten all the details on all of that. They are not giving us any information on that."
After Collins was confronted, he was chased into the Kay's Food Market parking lot, where he was handcuffed. After being handcuffed, Winnfield city police officer Scott Nugen allegedly tasered Collins three to six times in front of dozens of eye witnesses, according to Jewitt.
Collins was then transported to the Winnfield City Police Department where he complained of having chest pains. Collins was then transported to the local hospital where he was pronounced dead. Jewitt said he cannot confirm whether Collins died at the police station or at the hospital.
However, one thing is clear.
"He's not with us no more," Jewitt said solemnly. "It's tragic that this young man's life was taken at the hands of a police."
According to Jewitt, Nugen has been placed on paid administrative leave, pending the results of the investigation and the autopsy. Nugen has said that the city is following protocol, but he is still angered by the slow response.
"After the incident happened, the police officer was on duty for almost two weeks," Jewitt said. Jewitt explained that the current police chief does not have the authority to hire or fire officers nor place officers on administrative leave.
Viewing Comments 1 - 2 of 2
Torin Smith
posted 2/07/08 @ 1:19 PM CST
I am a family friend of the mother and I want everyone to know that she is very distraught over the lost of her son. All that she ask is for any witness to please come forward and give her son the justice he deserves. (Continued…)
LaToya Spinks
posted 2/13/08 @ 12:17 PM CST
Darryl, I commend you for covering this story. I had the opportunity to watch this young man grow up. We lived not to far from each other on Neil Wagoner Drive, he and my younger brothers would play football in the open field next to the apartments we lived in. (Continued…)
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