Son of new NOPD chief facing battery charges

28th January 2019   ·   0 Comments

Less than a week after NOPD Supt. Shaun Ferguson was sworn in, the veteran cop had to tackle a case that had to pose a challenge for him; the arrest of his own son. The son of the newly sworn-in NOPD Superintendent is facing battery charges in connection with a “domestic dispute,” after turning himself into police Tuesday evening (Jan. 22), according to court documents.

Officers booked Shane Ferguson, 21, with one count of domestic abuse battery after allegedly punching his ex-girlfriend in the face over the weekend.

According to his arrest warrant, Ferguson was in an argument with his ex-girlfriend when he spit in her face. The warrant states Ferguson struck the woman to the left side of her chin with a closed fist after she spit back in his face. Police said Ferguson attempted to hit her again, but she fell to the ground and the woman’s friend sprayed Ferguson with mace.

Documents show he then fled the scene. The warrant also states police asked the alleged victim a series of questions.

When asked, “Do you think he will seriously injure or kill you, your children or someone close to you?” The woman answered, “Yes, he threatens me non-stop.”

Court paperwork indicates the two were together for about two years, but the relationship ended in December. They never lived together, never had children and they have no documented history of domestic violence.

A Municipal Court judge issued a stay away order in the case.

The NOPD said Superintendent Shaun Ferguson wanted to be clear that while this is a family matter, police will treat this like any other investigation.

In other NOPD news, the man accused of killing NOPD officer Marcus McNeil was in court last Thursday for a mental competency hearing.

Police say Darren Bridges shot and killed McNeil in October 2017 outside of a New Orleans East apartment complex.

A judge ruled that Bridges was incompetent to stand trial, and will be sent to a mental facility.

After he is treated, Bridges will have another competency hearing on April 25.

After the shooting, investigators said Bridges holed up in a nearby apartment while dozens of officers surrounded the complex. They tried to coax him out.

An investigation shows McNeil tased Bridges during the altercation, but it seemed ineffective.

According to the warrant, a brief struggle ensued then several gunshots were heard. The warrant says McNeil could be heard screaming before a final gunshot.

Attorneys for Bridges claim he was bipolar and schizophrenic before he killed McNeil.

McNeil’s loved ones say they know their loss will impact their family forever.

“Thoughts of his daughters growing up without him, maybe not even remembering him because they’re just so young,” said Kelly Legier, McNeil’s aunt.

Bridges is charged with first-degree murder of a policeman, obstruction of justice, and other gun and drug possession charges.

This article originally published in the January 28, 2019 print edition of The Louisiana Weekly newspaper.