Corporal Michael Milazzo – Lafayette Police Department

While on patrol, Corporal Michael Milazzo of the Lafayette Police Department spots a vehicle with incorrect plates. As Corporal Milazzo approaches the SUV, he notices a loaded magazine on the driver’s seat in plain view. Both the driver and his girlfriend are convicted felons. Upon further inspection of the vehicle, Milazzo finds a stashed meth pipe and handgun. Although the driver of the vehicle denies ownership of the gun, both of his companions say otherwise. Because of the driver’s felony status, he goes to jail for the firearm. Corporal Milazzo takes the time to speak with the driver’s girlfriend about drug use and then lets her go.

While prepping Corporal Milazzo’s vehicle for a night on patrol at the Lafayette Police Department, a call comes in reporting a stolen blue car. Milazzo and another unit follow the stolen vehicle without turning on their lights so as to not startle the suspect into doing something dangerous while a local parade takes place nearby. Once cleared from the majority of traffic, the units turn on their lights and begin pursuit. After some time, the units lose track of the suspect but quickly radio to spread out and use GPS to locate the stolen vehicle. After a K9 unit radios that they have located the suspect, Milazzo rejoins the pursuit, only until the suspect loses control at a slow curve and crashes the stolen vehicle. K9 is released and bites the suspect in the arm, as other officers approach the vehicle with their guns drawn. Milazzo grabs the suspect through the passenger side window and quickly detains and arrests him. Once placed in the backseat of the cruiser, the suspect explains that he wants to die. Milazzo works to calm the suspect down and is eventually able to help him realize his will to live. The suspect is then charged with a stolen vehicle charge, many traffic violations, and AG-flight. The suspect is taken to the hospital for minor injuries prior to being placed in jail.