Sabine Parish Sheriff Aaron Mitchell has announced the arrest of Zwolle’s Assistant Chief of Police Christopher Scott Goodman, 48, of Many for allegedly staging the shooting of his patrol unit during the early morning hours of Sunday, October 26.
The Sabine Parish Sheriff’s Office began investigating the shooting that morning after Goodman claimed a vehicle pulled up behind and/ or beside him and began firing at his patrol unit while he was driving on U.S. Highway 171. Louisiana State Police Troop E investigators were contacted and assisted with the investigation. Inconsistencies in Goodman’s story of the events, initial digital and firearm evidence, and statements from other individuals led to probable cause for the arrest warrant.
The case remains under investigation as other forms of evidence are obtained and analyzed.
The warrant was issued for the following charges: -Malfeasance in office, tampering with evidence (Felony), -Obstruction of justice (Felony), -Criminal damage to property ($1,000$50,000) (Felony).
-Criminal mischief (Misdemeanor).
Goodman was placed on leave from Zwolle PD after the arrest, although he remains employed.
Police Chief Daniel Thomas released this statement following the arrest: “I would like to make a statement about the shooting incident involving Assistant Chief Goodman on October 26. I handed over the investigation to the Sabine Parish Sheriff’s Department and the Louisiana State Police. Their investigation has revealed several discrepancies between the actual events and Assistant Chief Goodman’s story. Consequently, an arrest has been made. This type of behavior, whether within the department or the community, will be dealt with swiftly. This incident is not indicative of the Zwolle Police Department’s values. We will continue to work towards maintaining the safety of our town and community. I would like to thank the Sabine Parish Sheriff’s Department and the Louisiana State Police for their assistance.”