Ascension Parish deputies arrested Byron Buie, 70, of Prairieville, for driving through cemeteries and causing $10,000 in damage. He faces grave desecration, property damage, and hit‑and‑run charges.
On August 17, 2026, deputies in Ascension Parish, Louisiana arrested 70‑year‑old Byron Buie of Prairieville following a disturbing incident that left two cemeteries heavily damaged.
Buie was booked into the Ascension Parish Jail and faces multiple charges, including five counts of desecration of graves, two counts of simple criminal damage to property valued between $1,000 and $50,000, and one count of hit‑and‑run driving.
His bond was set at $25,000.
Incident Overview
The arrest stems from an event on August 10, 2026, when surveillance footage captured a pickup truck leaving Highway 933 near the Household of Faith Church–Galvez Campus and plowing through two cemeteries.
The vehicle caused extensive damage to graves, caskets, headstones, and fencing, with losses estimated at more than $10,000.
Tips from the public helped investigators identify Buie as the suspect. Deputies arrested him a week later, bringing closure to a case that shocked the local community.
Families of those buried in the cemeteries expressed outrage and heartbreak over the desecration.
The Ascension Parish Sheriff’s Office emphasized the seriousness of the crime, noting that damaging burial sites is not only a criminal act but also a profound violation of respect for the deceased.
The incident has sparked conversations about the need for greater vigilance and protection of sacred spaces.
Broader Implications
While desecration of graves is considered a misdemeanor under Louisiana law, Buie’s charges also include felony property damage and hit‑and‑run driving.
Together, these charges carry significant legal consequences. His arraignment is pending, and restitution for the cemetery damages is expected to be part of the case.
This case highlights the importance of community involvement in solving crimes. Public tips played a crucial role in identifying Buie, underscoring how cooperation between residents and law enforcement can bring swift justice.
It also raises awareness about the vulnerability of cemeteries and the need for protective measures to prevent similar acts of vandalism.