Maurice police officer indicted for negligent homicide

Tue, Feb 5, 2013

On Tuesday, a Vermilion Parish Grand Jury indicted Maurice Police Officer Willis Thomas for negligent homicide in the death of Paul Suire.

The grand jury came back with the decision around 10:30 Tuesday morning.

If found guilty, Thomas could be sentenced to five years in prison.

Suire was 83 years old when Thomas crashed into Suire’s driver’s side door on US Hwy 167 on Oct. 11, 2012. His wife, Philomene, was injured in the crash. Thomas was on the way to an emergency after being dispatched by the Vermilion Parish Sheriff’s Office.

Officer Thomas, who was responding to an emergency call, had his emergency lights and siren activated as he approached the intersection of US Highway 167 and Opta Drive.

The crash happened as the Suire’s left a gas station and crossed Hwy 167. Since the crash, Thomas has not returned to work and has been receiving workers compensation.

The court date is set for March 7.