Holly MatkinCotton Valley, LA – Cotton Valley Police Department (CVPD) Officer Trey Copeland died in the line of duty on Aug. 31 after suffering a medical emergency while arresting a fleeing motorcyclist.
Officer Copeland, 47, also worked as a full-time Webster Parish Sheriff’s Office (WPSO) correctional deputy at the time of his death, according to the Officer Down Memorial Page.
The chain of events leading up to Officer Copeland’s death began at 6:29 p.m., when a fellow WPSO deputy tried to stop a motorcyclist on U.S. 371 south of Sarepta, the Minden Press-Herald reported.
The rider, later identified as Johnny Jenkins, refused to pull over and led police on a chase, according to the WPSO.
Jenkins ultimately crashed near the XTO Energy Plant in Cotton Valley at 6:48 p.m., the Minden Press-Herald reported.
Officer Copeland was among the law enforcement officers who participated in the chase.
“After the pursuit was over and the suspect of the motorcycle was in custody, Officer Copeland indicated he was not feeling well,” the WPSO said.
He collapsed at the scene, according to the Officer Down Memorial Page.
Officer Copeland was transported to a local hospital by ambulance, where he was pronounced dead, the Minden Press-Herald reported.
His exact cause of death has not been released.
Officer Copeland served as a part-time CVPD officer for the past year, according to the Officer Down Memorial Page.
He had been with the WPSO for the past 15 years.
Officer Copeland was also a U.S. Navy veteran.
He leaves behind his wife, his two children, and his two grandchildren, according to the Officer Down Memorial Page.
“Our thoughts and prayers go out to his family,” Webster Parish Sheriff Jason Parker told the Minden Press-Herald. “He was a loyal and dedicated servant to the citizens of Webster Parish. He will truly be missed.”
Always remember: Police Officer Trey Copeland, Cotton Valley Police Department, Louisiana https://t.co/QNzRpcfhI5 pic.twitter.com/eFTERM2Omr
— National Fallen Officer Foundation (@nationalfof) September 5, 2021
Rest In Peace: Police Officer Trey Copeland. Cotton Valley Police Department, Louisiana. End of Watch Tuesday, August 31, 2021. @PoliceOne @ODMP #BlueLivesMatter #officerdown pic.twitter.com/OtrCIMLVCa
— R Cook (@retiredNCSHP) September 4, 2021
Our thoughts and prayers are with the family of Cotton Valley Police Department Officer Trey Copeland, both blood and blue. Thank you for your service.
Rest easy, hero. We’ll hold the line from here.
Sandy Malone
