Ex-MS Coast police officer accused of assaulting 74-year-old female protester
A retired Long Beach police officer arrested Thursday is accused of assaulting a woman holding a protest sign and threatening a second victim, Long Beach Police Chief Billy Seal confirmed Friday.
Police arrested Craig DeRouche, 64, for allegedly assaulting a woman during an encounter on Highway 90 at Jeff Davis Avenue. He is charged with a second misdemeanor charge of assault by threat for allegedly threatening a man who reported that he saw the alleged attack and tried to intervene, Seal said.
The police chief said he received word of the incident in a text message shortly after 4:30 p.m. on Thursday.
Police made the arrest after the two complainants signed the misdemeanor allegations against DeRouche, Seal said.
According to Seal, the protester, identified as a 74-year-old woman, was holding a protest sign supporting the right to due process under the U.S. Constitution for Americans before the assault occurred.
“It was a pushing match, and she ended up on the ground with a bump on her head,” Seal said. The woman, a Navy veteran, is now in stable condition in a local hospital.
DeRouche has since signed a complaint against the woman for misdemeanor assault on him in the same incident, Seal said.
Municipal Judge James “Jim” Simpson allowed DeRouche to remain free pending further action in the case.
As for an arrest based on DeRouche’s allegations, Seal said Judge Simpson would ultimately decide whether to issue a warrant for her or set up a probable cause hearing to determine if evidence exists to arrest her.
In September 2020, Long Beach police honored DeRouche by presenting him with a plaque in recognition of his service as a patrolman and detective.
DeRouche served as a patrolman in Long Beach for 18 years and later as an investigator. In addition, he served as police evidence supervisor, Seal said.
This breaking news story will be updated as events warrant.
This story was originally published April 25, 2025 at 12:03 PM.
