Bunkie police officer faces possible suspension following booking room altercation

Police chief acknowledges officer's conduct fell short of department standards following investigation by KALB

BUNKIE, La. — A Bunkie police officer could face suspension without pay following the release of security footage showing an altercation involving a handcuffed man inside the Bunkie Police Department's booking room.

The incident, which occurred Sept. 22, 2026, came to light through an exclusive investigation by KALB investigative reporter Rob LaPerle, published Oct. 21. The investigation raises questions about officer conduct, the treatment of individuals in police custody and the department's procedures for handling such incidents.

According to KALB's reporting, Jason Dove had been arrested on a trespassing charge and was seated in the department's booking room when Lt. Garrett Greer entered and began arguing with him.

Security footage obtained by KALB shows Greer confronting Dove before walking away. Greer later returned and made physical contact with Dove, including striking him on the chest and pushing him against a wall several times.

Dove was handcuffed during the encounter.

Another officer, identified as Officer Jordan, was in the room assisting with booking paperwork but did not intervene.

The footage does not contain audio, leaving the words exchanged between Greer and Dove undocumented on the recording.

However, Dove told KALB that Greer directed profanity toward him and told him he was not wanted in Bunkie.

Dove also alleged that the confrontation continued after the available footage ended.

According to KALB, Dove and another witness claimed the officers later went through Dove's personal belongings, mocked the items he had been carrying and discarded some of them.

Dove said those belongings included a handmade slingshot and tools that had belonged to a family member.

Bunkie Police Chief Byron "Bo" Juneau disputed the allegations concerning Dove's possessions, telling KALB that the officers did not acknowledge discarding the items during his investigation. Juneau also said he had not reviewed footage extending beyond the portion provided to the television station.

Dove was ultimately booked on the original trespassing charge and an additional intimidation charge stemming from the incident.

Police chief acknowledges misconduct

Juneau told KALB he was unaware of the booking room confrontation until the television station contacted him requesting footage.

After reviewing the incident, Juneau acknowledged that Greer's actions did not meet the standards expected of a police officer.

He attributed the confrontation, in part, to insufficient training and emphasized the importance of de-escalation when officers deal with individuals in custody.

Juneau said officers must maintain their professionalism regardless of the behavior or circumstances surrounding an arrest.

He also recognized that additional training and clearer procedures are necessary, particularly when dealing with handcuffed individuals.

According to KALB, Greer is certified through Louisiana's Peace Officer Standards and Training program, commonly known as POST, and previously served as a patrol supervisor.

Jordan, the other officer present, is not POST certified, according to Juneau.

When questioned about Jordan's failure to intervene, Juneau suggested that the difference in rank between the two officers may have influenced her response.

He said Jordan indicated she believed Greer would leave the room.

Suspension expected to go before council

Both officers received reprimands following the incident, but neither had received formal disciplinary punishment at the time of KALB's report.

Both remained on active duty.

Juneau told KALB he intends to recommend that Greer receive a temporary suspension without pay.

However, the proposed disciplinary action must first be presented to the Bunkie Town Council for consideration and a vote.

Juneau expressed support for disciplinary measures while emphasizing that the department must improve its training and professionalism.

In a statement provided to KALB, the police chief accepted responsibility for the actions of his department and apologized to Dove.

Juneau also acknowledged that officers have a responsibility to uphold the law and treat individuals equally.

The chief's response represents an acknowledgment of the incident, although the final disciplinary decision had not been reported as of Oct. 22.

Dove claims he has been targeted

Beyond the September confrontation, Dove told KALB he believes he has been unfairly targeted by members of the Bunkie Police Department.

He described previous encounters with local officers and said he feels singled out because of his activities around town.

According to the report, Dove is frequently seen collecting discarded items, litter and other materials throughout Bunkie.

Juneau described some of those materials as unwanted items left along streets for garbage collection.

Dove offered a different explanation, saying he collects items to recycle, reuse or remove litter from the community.

He characterized those activities as an effort to contribute positively to the town.

The allegations of repeated targeting were made by Dove and have not been independently substantiated in the information available from KALB's investigation.

Questions remain about department procedures

The incident has brought attention to how the Bunkie Police Department handles complaints involving its own officers and what procedures are in place to review conduct inside the department's booking area.

Among the questions remaining are when the proposed suspension will be presented to the Town Council, whether additional disciplinary action will be considered for the second officer and what changes may be made to departmental training.

It also remains unclear whether any outside law enforcement agency will be asked to review the incident.

The outcome of the proposed suspension will depend on further action by town officials.

Source acknowledgment: This article is based on an exclusive investigation by KALB investigative reporter Rob LaPerle, published Oct. 21, 2026. Avoyelles Today received permission from KALB to use information from its investigation and a credited screenshot of the incident.

Readers can view

KALB's original investigative report and the station's video coverage.