EAST BATON ROUGE PARISH SHERIFF’S DEPUTY RECOGNIZED AS FREEDOM 250’S HOMETOWN HERO FOR THE MIDDLE DISTRICT OF LOUISIANA

Deputy Brandon Searles of the East Baton Rouge Sheriff's Office was recognized as the Middle District's Freedom 250 Hometown Hero, announced U.S. Attorney Kurt L. Wall. The Freedom 250 Hometown Hero initiative is part of America's 250 anniversary celebrations, honoring local law enforcement heroes across the country for their courage, generosity, and service.

On May 8, 2025, Deputy Searles, a private citizen and former Marine Reservist at the time, stopped an attempted bank robbery at the Regions Bank on South Sherwood Forest Boulevard, Baton Rouge, Louisiana. Without hesitation or concern for his own safety, Deputy Searles disarmed and secured Quarles James Harris, age 52, of Baton Rouge, Louisiana. Harris was then arrested by Baton Rouge Police officers and taken into custody.

Before the incident, Deputy Searles was in the process of applying with the East Baton Rouge Sheriff's Office. He graduated from the Capital Area Regional Training Academy in December 2025.

Harris was subsequently indicted by a federal grand jury on July 16, 2025, for bank robbery; using, carrying, possessing, and brandishing a firearm during and in relation to and in furtherance of a crime of violence; and possession of a firearm by a convicted felon. He pleaded guilty and is currently awaiting sentencing.

U.S. Attorney Wall stated, "It is my honor to recognize Brandon for his selflessness and bravery. Without hesitation, he took action that day to protect his fellow neighbors from a very dangerous situation. He has served our country as a marine and continues to serve our community as a deputy. We are very fortunate to have Brandon as our Hometown Hero.

"Even before Deputy Brandon Searles joined the East Baton Rouge Sheriff's Office, he demonstrated the courage, selflessness, and instinct to protect others that define the very best in law enforcement," stated Sheriff Sid Gautreaux. "His actions that day reflected the character, integrity, and sense of duty that cannot be taught. We are incredibly proud of Deputy Searles for receiving this well-deserved recognition and grateful that he is now a member of the EBRSO family. I also want to thank U.S. Attorney Kurt Wall and his office for recognizing Brandon's actions and honoring individuals who selflessly step forward to protect others. We are fortunate to have Deputy Searles serving our community alongside us each day."