Abbeville strengthens security after incident at AA Comeaux Park

ABBEVILLE, KATC – The City of Abbeville is increasing security at AA Comeaux Park during major sporting events this summer.

This decision came immediately after an incident involving a baton at a Little League baseball game on May 22.

According to Police Chief Hardy, two adults were arguing about a comment made during the game. The referee told both parties to calm down. One of the parties reportedly called for backup, and three people were arrested.

Although the dispute shocked many in the community, it did not stop Isadore Creppel from spending time with his son in the park.

“When my son is not at school, we come here almost every day. I will feel much better (knowing they are here). I don’t have to worry about calling the police, they will be right here,” Isadore said.

Isadore and his six-year-old son often ride their bikes through the park. He has lived in Abbeville for 15 years and knows how important this park is to the children in the community.

“This is very important for children. Many of them have no place to go. They live in apartments and only see the nature around their apartment. They have no place to play,” he said.

Funding for community policing in AA Comeaux Park comes from the police department’s budget.

City Councilman Brady Broussard Jr., whose district includes the park, told KATC in a written statement:

Many generations have used Comeaux Park to play baseball, as Abbeville was once known as a premier baseball town.

The citizens who have used Comeaux Park and now the traveling baseball teams that use our turf baseball fields are just one of the sports offered there for recreation.

Softball, tennis, pickleball, skateboard park, water park, and our local Boys and Girls Club are also available.

We welcome additional APD patrols to ensure this remains a safe place for our children and visitors who come to recreate.

The city administration has identified three people involved in the dispute. Criminal charges are pending against those involved.