A new man from Iberia convicted in the case of attempted murder

A New Iberia man accused of assaulting a city magistrate because he was upset over a traffic problem has been sentenced to 35 years in prison.

The incident occurred on June 16, 2020, when Ryan Hargrave allegedly followed the Delcambre Mayor’s Court Magistrate from his office and forced the Magistrate to stop his vehicle.

According to a statement from the 16th Judicial District Attorney, Hargrave — who was wearing body armor — got out of the vehicle and pointed a gun at the magistrate. Fortunately, the Abbeville town marshal witnessed the incident and intervened. Hargrave pointed his gun at the City Marshal and ran.

A vehicle chase ensued through several parishes, during which Hargrave called 9-1-1 and told communications officers that he was not going to prison for life.

The chase eventually ended at Hargrave’s home in New Iberia. Hargrave again pointed the gun at a New Iberia Police Department officer, who fired at Hargrave.

Hargrave got out of the vehicle and shot at several New Iberia police officers and Iberia Parish sheriff’s deputies who responded. Hargrave received several non-life threatening injuries during the confrontation and received medical treatment after being arrested.

On July 15, 2024, Hargrave pleaded “no contest” to two counts of attempted first-degree murder and three counts of aggravated assault on a peace officer.

He faced 10 to 50 years on the attempted first-degree murder charge and one to 10 years on the aggravated assault charge.

On December 9, 2024, a court hearing was held before the Hon. Vincent Bourne. After hearing the officers’ testimony and considering the facts of the matter, Judge Borne sentenced Hargrave to thirty-five years hard labor on each count of attempted first degree murder and ten years hard labor on each count of assault aggravated assault on a peace officer. , all run simultaneously – or at the same time.

“Mr. Hargrave’s reckless behavior put not only the public at risk, but the law enforcement officers who apprehended him. Law enforcement officers deal with dangerous and life-threatening situations like this much more often. as always, I appreciate the courage and professionalism shown by our law enforcement partners in responding to this dangerous incident,” said District Attorney Bo Duhé.

Assistant District Attorney Ashley Hammons prosecuted the case.

Louisiana State Police investigated the Iberia Parish portion of this incident with assistance from several other agencies, including the Iberia Parish Sheriff’s Office, Vermilion Parish Sheriff’s Office, Abbeville Police Department, Abbeville Marshal’s Office and Kaplan Police Department.