Sergeant Warren Joseph Broussard, Baton Rouge Police Department, Louisiana

Sergeant Warren Joseph Broussard

Baton Rouge Police Department, Louisiana

End of Watch Tuesday, June 21, 1988

Warren Joseph Broussard

Sergeant Warren Broussard was shot and killed while questioning two suspects about a residential burglary.

Sergeant Broussard was visiting his grandparents house, which had been burglarized the previous day, when a neighbor told him there were two males around the block casing a house. Sergeant Broussard went around the block and located the two suspects. Unknown to Sergeant Broussard, these suspects were the same suspects that burglarized his grandparents house, and one of the suspects was armed with a handgun stolen in that burglary. As Sergeant Broussard radioed for a back-up unit, one of the suspects drew the handgun and opened fire, striking Sergeant Broussard in the stomach and head, killing him.

The suspects were apprehended the next week and charged with murder. One suspect testified against the other in exchange for a lesser sentence. That suspect was convicted and sentenced to life in prison.

Sergeant Broussard was a highly decorated Vietnam War veteran who had received the Navy Cross, three Bronze Stars, and the Navy/Marine Corps Medal. He had served with the Baton Rouge City Police Department for 15 years and is survived by his wife and two children.

Bio

Age 40
Tour 15 years
Badge Not available
Military Veteran

Incident Details

Cause Gunfire
Weapon Handgun
Offender Sentenced to life

Most Recent Reflection

View all 19 Reflections

When I first met you in 1987 I was in the police academy and you were one of my instructors. I remember when I first saw you and you were introduced to the academy recruits I was thinking that you had been a police officer forever and a day. I was amazed at how much information you knew about police work. The most prevalent character trait about you was how kind you were to us recruits. Once I graduated from the academy I had several opportunities to work with you at various accident scenes and special details and I considered you a friend. I will never forget the day you were taken from us. I hadn't even been on the streets for a year. I had just worked the dog shift and had court that morning and was on my way home to Denham Springs when the call went out of an officer down. I turned around and headed to the scene, and was placed on a quick reaction team to search out locations where the shooters lived. All I remember was wanting to catch the men who had taken a great police officer, and good friend from us. I still think of you often some 27 years later. Thank you for your courageous service to your country and the city of Baton Rouge. May the good Lord watch over your family. We will never forget you.

Corporal Bill Graham
Baton Rouge Police Dept.

October 19, 2015