Deputy Sheriff Justin L. Beard

Deputy Sheriff Justin Beard was killed in a vehicle crash while responding to a burglary alarm during a severe thunderstorm at approximately 6:00 am.

He was traveling on Louisiana Highway 34, south of West Monroe, when his patrol vehicle left the roadway, struck an embankment, and overturned. Deputy Beard, who was not wearing a seat belt, suffered fatal injuries.

Deputy Beard had served with the Ouachita Parish Sheriff’s Office for 3-1/2 years. He is survived by his wife and three children.