Meth found in man who fought police

HOUMA — Authorities in Houma said a man who died after a struggle with police at a local Wal-Mart had methamphetamine in his system.

Robert Bonvillian Jr., 41, died after a struggle with police late June 9.

Preliminary lab tests showed an undetermined amount of the drug was in Bonvillian’s system. That information was released Thursday by the Terrebonne Parish Sheriff’s Office, which is investigating the death.

Still pending are autopsy results from the Jefferson Parish Forensic Center.

Sheriff’s Office officials said they have consulted with the Terrebonne District Attorney’s Office during the investigation, which is expected to continue through this week.

Police said the struggle occurred after an officer working a security detail at the store heard a man screaming shortly before midnight June 9. The officer approached Bonvillian and a fight began.

The officer radioed for backup, and several officers were able to subdue Bonvillian, police said.

One officer sprained his arm while two others sprained their knees, Duplantis said. He has deferred to the Sheriff’s Office to explain exactly how the injuries occurred, which the office has declined to release.

A relative of Bonvillian said police informed the family that a Taser stun device was used to subdue him. Police have not confirmed that.

Houma Police Chief Todd Duplantis said all the officers involved remain on paid administrative leave pending the outcome of the investigation.