BATON ROUGE, La. (WAFB) – An East Baton Rouge Sheriff’s Office deputy is being recognized for stopping an attempted bank robbery before he even put on the uniform.
United States Attorney Kurt Wall announced Friday that Deputy Brandon Searles is the Freedom 250’s Hometown Hero for the Middle District of Louisiana. This initiative is part of America’s 250th anniversary celebrations, honoring area law enforcement heroes from across the country for their courage, generosity, and service.
The attempted robbery happened at the Regions Bank on South Sherwood Forest Boulevard on May 8, 2025. At the time, Searles was a private citizen and former Marine Reservist who was applying to the sheriff’s office.
According to U.S. Attorney Wall’s office, without hesitation or concern for his own safety, Searles disarmed and secured Quarles James Harris, 52, of Baton Rouge…