ST. LANDRY PARISH — Three months ago, Detective Deondre Thomas with the St. Landry Parish Sheriff’s Office was seriously injured in a hit-and-run during an undercover narcotics operation. On Friday, August 29, Thomas marks a milestone—not only of his recovery, but his official return to the job he loves.

“It’s been quite the journey,” Thomas said. “I’m thankful every day. I thank God that I’m still here.”

On May 29, during a narcotics sting, Thomas found himself in harm’s way.

“Once we moved in, I pulled my patrol car in front of the suspect’s vehicle at a slight angle,” Thomas explained. “As soon as I opened my door, the vehicle sped off and came straight at me.”

The impact left Thomas with a serious hip injury and required major surgery. Days in the hospital and months in physic

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