Man Arrested After Gun Incident at a Bank in Franklinton

The Franklinton Police Department received a 9-1-1 call on Friday (September 14, 2018) at approximately 4:30 pm from Citizens Bank that a man, later identified as Wallace Smith, Jr. (73) pointed a firearm at a teller. FPD and WPSO officers responded. Then, a second 9-1-1 call redirected officers to a witness who was following the suspect in his vehicle. Officers caught up with the suspect's vehicle on LA25-N approximately 5 miles from Franklinton. A felony traffic stop was conducted and Smith was taken into custody without further incident.

A search of Wilson's vehicle located the firearm used in the crime. Further investigation reportedly revealed that Smith was in the drive-up line at Citizen's Bank and initiated a verbal altercation with the patron who ended up assisting law enforcement officers in apprehending him. According to the victim and witnesses, during the course of the verbal altercation, Smith allegedly made verbal threats and brandished a firearm. The victim stated that Smith made a racial slur towards him while pointing the weapon in his direction.

Following his arrest, Smith complained of chest pains and was transported to Riverside Medical Center for treatment. Smith will remain in custody during his medical treatment and, upon release, booked into the Washington Parish Jail on charges of Aggravated Assault (2 counts) with a hate crime modifier.