By: FOX8 Staff | fox10tv.com | May 29, 2026
MADISONVILLE, La. (WVUE) – A man said St. Tammany Parish Sheriff Randy Smith punched him at a Madisonville steakhouse, according to reports.
Bobby Couvillion said he was at the bar at the restaurant when Smith punched him. Couvillion told reporters he was going to a nearby hospital for treatment.
The St. Tammany Parish Sheriff’s Office confirmed Smith was involved in an incident at a Madisonville-area restaurant on Friday (May 29). The office did not provide details about what happened.
The sheriff’s office asked Attorney General Liz Murrill’s office to take over the investigation to ensure it is fair.
“The Sheriff’s Office is committed to transparency, accountability and maintaining the public’s trust. Sheriff Smith and the agency will fully cooperate with any investigation conducted by outside authorities,” a statement from the office said.
Rafael Goyeneche, who leads the Metropolitan Crime Commission, said it is crucial that the attorney general’s office take full control of the investigation to ensure there is no conflict of interest.
Couvillion has been vocal with his criticisms of Sheriff Smith in the past.
An attorney who has represented Sheriff Smith in the past did not immediately respond to a request for comment.