Devon Lucie, the 48-year-old chief meteorologist for New Orleans NBC affiliate WDSU, was arrested early Sunday, October 5, 2025, on charges of domestic abuse battery with child endangerment and resisting an officer, following an alleged physical altercation with his longtime girlfriend at their Marrero home in Jefferson Parish. According to the arrest report obtained by People magazine, the incident stemmed from an argument at a music festival in Gretna, where Lucie and his girlfriend quarreled before she was driven home by her mother. Lucie allegedly pried open the door to the residence upon returning, escalating the dispute; he briefly left but came back, punching her multiple times in the bedroom while her two young children slept on the living room sofa nearby. The woman told deputies they “wrestled, and she fought back in self-defense,” sustaining several small cuts, scratches on her upper body, and welts on her forehead and face. Lucie’s mugshot shows visible scratches on his face, suggesting a struggle.

Deputies responded to a disturbance call around 1:22 a.m., finding both parties injured; Lucie refused to identify himself, provide his date of birth, or comply with requests to dress before being medically cleared and booked at Jefferson Parish Correctional Center. The felony domestic abuse charge carries potential prison time due to the child endangerment element, as the kids were present during the violence. WDSU confirmed Lucie has been placed on leave pending investigation, stating, “We are aware of the reports and are cooperating with authorities.”

Lucie, a New Orleans native and University of Oklahoma graduate specializing in severe storms, joined WDSU in 2021 after stints in Washington D.C., Denver, and Kansas City. Promoted to chief meteorologist in August 2025 following Margaret Orr’s retirement after 45 years, he celebrated the role on Instagram, calling it “exciting news” after 27 years in broadcasting. A father of two, Lucie was known for his weather expertise, but this arrest shatters his public image.

The girlfriend, identified as New Orleans pastry chef Patty Dinh—owner of Éclair Délicieux bakery—has shared family photos with Lucie online, but details remain private. No prior incidents are reported, but the case highlights domestic violence’s prevalence, with advocates urging support via the National Domestic Violence Hotline. As the investigation continues, Lucie’s future at WDSU hangs in balance, a stark reminder that personal demons can erupt even in professional havens.