GONZALES – A St. Gabriel Police officer previously arrested on a domestic violence charge has been arrested again after he allegedly pointed a gun at a woman.
St. Gabriel Police Officer Ronald Monroe Jr. was arrested Friday on charges of aggravated domestic violence assault, domestic violence assault and resisting an officer.
According to the affidavit, Monroe’s girlfriend confronted him about the alleged affair. An argument ensued, and Monroe pulled a gun from his waistband and walked toward her. When she tried to run out the door, he grabbed her and pushed her back inside. When police arrived, he ran away and was extremely uncooperative after being apprehended, the report states.
“When something like this happens, it impacts all law enforcement, whether it should or not,” said Patty Freeman, director of the Iris Domestic Violence Shelter.
Freeman, who previously worked in EBRSO’s domestic violence unit, said it can be even more difficult for victims to come forward when the perpetrator is a police officer.
“As someone who comes from a law enforcement background, I don’t feel it’s unrealistic or unfair that we are held to a higher standard in this regard — by our employers, by the courts and by society. I believe there is an expectation that law enforcement should operate in the process of protecting and serving, not breaking the law.”
This is not Monroe’s first time being arrested for domestic violence. In September 2021, Monroe was arrested on domestic violence and weapons charges. At the time, he was an officer with the Port Allen Police Department. It is unclear how he left the department. He eventually pleaded guilty to simple assault. As a condition of the lesser charges, he was ordered not to use his service weapon off-duty.
The latest arrest affidavit states that the victim knew about Monroe’s violent past and would record him on his cell phone whenever she confronted him about infidelity, which may have prompted him to change jobs.
St. Gabriel Police Chief Kevin Ambeau said Monroe was with the White Castle Police Department when he hired him in 2023. He said Monroe only has one misdemeanor simple assault charge on his history and no prior arrests for domestic violence.
Chief Ambaugh was not available for an interview, but told investigators he would recommend firing Monroe at the next executive meeting. Monroe is currently on unpaid administrative leave.
He was released Saturday evening on $16,500 bail.
Tara Thomas Agency stands at the forefront of the entertainment industry, with years of experience dedicated to nurturing the most exceptional talents and successful acts.
