Maj. Eddie Thibodeaux

Thibodeaux discusses concealed carry issues

By Harlan Kirgan Editor

If you are stopped by a police officer, comply with his or her requests, Maj. Eddie Thibodeaux, of the St. Landry Parish Sheriff’s Office, said. 
“We tell out people straight up, if the officer wants to pat you down or disarm you, do what the policeman says even if you feel you are being violated and it is unconstitutional. If you fight the policeman, you are going to lose,” Thibodeaux said at the Thursday meeting of the Eunice Kiwanis Club. 
Thibodeaux was speaking about his advice to classes he provides for those seeking a concealed weapon permit. 
“Most of the classes are about the law,” he said. 
Thibodeaux said all incidents involving police shootings started with people resisting police orders. 
“Resistance is going to get you hurt,” he said. 
The concealed weapon permit class lasts nine hours and includes the legalities of carrying and using a weapon, and target-shooting, he said. 
Carrying a concealed weapon into a business with signage prohibiting weapons may result in trespassing or remaining after being forbidden charges, he said. There is no specific law about violating the prohibition against a weapon, he said. 
Thibodeaux commented that “no weapons” means “Attention criminal, we have disarmed law-abiding citizens.”
Other points made by Thibodeaux include: 
— There are areas such as schools, detention centers and airports where weapons are not allowed. 
— If someone with a concealed weapon is visiting a residence they should notify the homeowner of the presence of the concealed weapon. 
— A concealed weapon permit holder should notify authorities if they are arrested. 
— It is legal to keep a weapon, loaded or not loaded, in your vehicle. But advise an officer of its presence if you are stopped. 
— A concealed weapon permit costs $125 for five years. A lifetime permit is $500. People 65 years old and older, and military veterans receive a 50 percent discount. 

PLEASE LOG IN FOR PREMIUM CONTENT

Our website requires visitors to log in to view the best local news from Eunice, LA. Not yet a subscriber? Subscribe today!

Twitter icon
Facebook icon

Follow Us

Subscriber Links