Iowa man accused of tasing deputy found competent for trial

Published 1:40 pm Friday, May 30, 2025

An Iowa, La., man accused of attempted murder and other charges after he allegedly tased a Jeff Davis Parish sheriff’s deputy and attempted to steal his patrol car, has been found competent to stand trial.

Mark Gabriel Buller Jr., 55, is charged with attempted first-degree murder, resisting an officer with force or violence, disarming a peace officer, aggravated battery, attempted disarming of a peace officer, attempted possession of a firearm by a convicted felon and attempted theft of a motor vehicle. He was indicted on the charges by a grand jury in February and later pleaded not guilty to all charges.

31st Judicial District Court Judge Steve Gunnell recently ruled that the case against Buller can proceed to trial. The decision comes after separate reports from mental health experts determined that Buller is capable of assisting his defense attorney. The case had been on hold pending the outcome of a sanity hearing.

According to the law, for a trial to take place, a person must be aware  of their surroundings and able to assist their attorney in their defense. The judicial system cannot move forward if a defendant lacks awareness or the ability to aid in their defense.

The trial is now scheduled for 9 a.m. Sept. 15 in the 31st Judicial District Court in Jennings.

Buller will remain in custody at the Jeff Davis Parish Jail with a bond set at $1,075,000.

Based on information from Louisiana State Police Troop D, Sgt. Josh Clement stopped to assist Buller, who was walking on La. 99, just north of Welsh, on Jan. 10. The weather conditions were poor, and the area was poorly lit.

During the interaction, a physical altercation reportedly took place. Buller is accused of grabbing the deputy’s taser and using it against him, before attempting to take the deputy’s patrol car.

The deputy allegedly discharged a firearm during the incident, however, Buller was unharmed.

Following the altercation, deputies and other law enforcement officers arrived on the scene and took Buller into custody without any further issues. Both the deputy and Buller were taken to local hospitals for treatment of non-life threatening injuries sustained during the incident.