The Madisonville steakhouse dust-up that has already put St. Tammany Parish Sheriff Randy Smith in the spotlight now has a second man in custody.
Gregory Jules Saurage surrendered to state investigators Monday and was arrested in connection with a May 29 assault at Keith Young's Steakhouse in Madisonville. Louisiana Bureau of Investigation agents charged Saurage with principal to second-degree battery after investigators say he identified the victim and signaled to Sheriff Randy Smith. The victim, local podcaster Bobby Couvillon, suffered a concussion and damage to his front teeth, according to medical records cited by authorities.
According to Attorney General Liz Murrill's office, Saurage surrendered to LBI agents at the St. Tammany Parish Jail at about 1:30 p.m. on June 8 and faces one felony count under Louisiana law. The department's announcement says the investigation remains active and that files including a redacted arrest warrant were made available online.
Surveillance Video and the Alleged Signal
Investigators say surveillance video showed Saurage walk past the victim, point toward him in the sheriff's direction, then pound his fists in a manner detectives described as an aggressive signal. The arrest warrant says Smith then grabbed the victim from behind, put him in a chokehold, yanked him off an elevated bar stool and struck him while he was on the floor. Those details, including alleged threats from Smith and injuries to the victim, are outlined in reporting by WVUE (Fox 8).
Charges, Surrender and Where Things Stand
As Attorney General Liz Murrill's office notes, Saurage is charged with principal to second-degree battery (LA R.S. 14:24/14:34.1), a felony. Smith faces a felony second-degree battery charge and two misdemeanor disturbing-the-peace counts. Smith previously turned himself in and posted bond, and the AG's statement says the investigation is ongoing while prosecutors review evidence and prepare charging documents.
Victim Response and Local Scrutiny
Couvillon has gone public with his account, telling local reporters the attack was unprovoked and calling the sheriff's apology "disingenuous." Coverage by WWL and WDSU has amplified community concern and published video and dispatch audio that investigators reviewed.
The Louisiana Bureau of Investigation is continuing its probe, and prosecutors will decide on formal filings and court dates in the coming weeks. For now, the arrests leave the sheriff's office and Madisonville residents watching as the legal process unfolds.
