Major Response Underway in Bogalusa Shooting

At a video-recorded press conference on Monday morning (May 18, 2020), a number of official

gathered to provide information and request assistance from the public in response to the shooting in Bogalusa Saturday night (May 16, 2020). A major response to the shooting is underway, enlisting the assistance of State and Federal agencies to assist the Bogalusa Police Department.

On Saturday night at approximately 9:12 p.m., Bogalusa Police Major Troy Tervalon has advised that BPD began receiving calls of gunshots in the area of Martin Luther King Drive and East 4th Street. Callers advised that several subjects had been shot and needed medical attention.

Upon arrival, Officers observed an extremely large crowd (that was later reported to have grown to between 500 and 800 persons) at what was believed to be a Memorial Service for Dominique James, who was recently found murdered. Officers located several victims with gunshot wounds and attempted to secure the scene. Officers requested assistance from Washington Parish Sheriff's Office, Louisiana Fire Marshals Office, Louisiana State Police, Varnado Police Department, Bogalusa Fire Department and Northshore EMS.

Officers determined that thirteen (13) had been shot, with one reported to be in critical condition. No deaths have resulted and no motive for the shooting or suspects have been identified. Major Tervalon reported that no eyewitnesses had come forth with any information.

Washington Parish Sheriff Randy “Country” Seal stated in a Facebook post, “These shootings must cease. Any person who has information about this shooting or the shooters should contact the Bogalusa Police Department immediately. It is essential that witnesses come forward in situation like this; otherwise, such street crimes of violence will continue. If the community is going to know peace, the shooters must be captured and jailed. Bogalusa Police Department Chief Kendall Bullen and his officers work diligently to solve all crimes and I have full confidence in their ability and desire to solve this senseless shooting.”

During the press conference, the following was emphasized:

• the large gathering of people was monitored by BPD but BPD had an insufficient number of officers to manage the situation that was characterized as “chaos”
• no permit was given for the gathering
• Mayor Wendy Perrette, Sheriff Seal, and other authorities encouraged that the community come forward with information

The Bogalusa Police Department requests that anyone with information call 985.732.3611 or 985.732.6240.

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