April 12, 2021
Franklinton Man Charged With Attempted Murder
Ryan A. Jones, age 28 and a resident of Timber Ridge Road in Franklinton, was arrested on April 11, 2021 and booked into the Washington Parish Jail on charges of attempted murder, domestic abuse battery and aggravated assault.
Washington Parish Sheriff’s Office deputies responded to a complaint about the crimes and learned that Jones, while armed with a pistol, physically assaulted a female and threatened to kill her and a male companion while firing his pistol. Due to the nature of the crime, several deputies, along with a Louisiana State Trooper, responded to Jones’ residence and were able to arrest him without incident.
Jones has a previous 2019 arrest for criminal damage to property, disturbing the peace and leaving the scene of an accident.
“This could have escalated into a very serious situation,” stated Sheriff Randy Seal. “Anytime a firearm is involved in the commission of a crime, there is the potential for deadly violence. I am so grateful he was arrested without incident and I appreciate the good work of all officers involved.”
Washington Parish Man Charged with Domestic Abuse with Child Endangerment
Jonathan Walter Magee, age 40 and a resident of Highway 430, was arrested April 7, 2021 on charges of domestic abuse with children present. The arrest came as the result of a complaint from the victim and an initial investigation by a Washington Parish Sheriff’s Office patrol deputy who determined the abuse had occurred.
The patrol deputy and a patrol lieutenant located Magee, arrested him, and transported him to the Washington Parish Jail where he was booked on five counts of domestic abuse with child endangerment. Magee has previous stays in the Washington Parish Jail beginning with drug possession, assault and a protective order violation in 2006. In 2007 he was arrested again for domestic abuse, protective order violation, indecent behavior with juveniles, simple battery, resisting arrest by flight, disturbing the peace and traffic offenses.
“Never will we tolerate known abuse of a spouse or other family member,” stated Sheriff Randy Seal. “Magee’s history of domestic abuse demonstrates some underlying issues that he must address. Otherwise, such behavior is likely to continue. I appreciate the fine work of our officers in making this arrest.”
Missing Boater Located Saturday AM in Tchefuncte River
Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries and St. Tammany Parish Sheriff's Office report that Laura Thomas (26) of Covington, a boater missing since Friday night, has been located but is reported to be in critical condition.
LDWF enforcement agents, STPSO deputies and the U.S. Coast Guard were alerted about a missing boater around 9 p.m. on April 9, 2021 in the Tchefuncte River. Thomas had been last seen in the area north of the Three Rivers Boat Launch, on a black and gold personal watercraft.
The search party responded to the scene immediately and had to halt the search due to poor weather conditions around 2 a.m. on April 10th. Authorities resumed the search at first light on April 10th. A good Samaritan found the missing personal watercraft in the Tchefuncte River around 10:30 a.m. on April 10th. STPSO deputies then found Thomas around 11 a.m. with only her head above water while wearing a life jacket.
She was transported to the boat launch where emergency medical services brought her to the Lakeview Regional Medical Center and is listed in critical condition.
Angie-area Man Charged With 9 Counts of Cruelty to Animals
Allen Douglas Magee, Jr., age 42 and a resident of Jess Peters Road in the Angie area, was arrested by the Washington Parish Sheriff’s Office on April 10, 2021 and booked into the Washington Parish Jail charged with nine counts of cruelty to animals and two outstanding warrants for failure to pay a fine and failure to appear in court.
The investigation into the animal abuse began on March 8, 2021 when a Sheriff’s Office sergeant responded to a report of animal cruelty. Based on his observance of numerous dogs which were chained without food or water available and at least one dog with obvious medical issues, the sergeant enlisted the assistance of an investigator who in turn obtained the help of the Washington Parish Animal Shelter.
A further investigation revealed cruelty to several dogs as well as dead dogs on the property. The living dogs were seized and transported to the animal shelter for evaluation by a veterinarian. All dogs tested positive for intestinal and heart worms in addition to other serious physical issues. Eight of the dogs were medically euthanized and a ninth was transported to a veterinary clinic for surgery.
Magee has two previous stay in the Washington Parish Jail on charges ranging from attempted introduction of contraband into a correction facility to four counts of failure to appear in court and one count of contempt of court. He was released from his current charges on April 11, 2021 after posting bond in the amount of $30,150.00
“This was an egregious case of animal cruelty,” stated Sheriff Randy Seal. “I am grateful to our patrol sergeant, our investigator and the staff of the Washington Parish Animal Shelter for their diligence in investigating this very unpleasant case.”
Local Forecast for the Next Few Days
For an extended forecast and more details, go to our weather page.
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April 11, 2021
Washington Parish Jail Bookings for April 10, 2021
Allen Magee was booked on the charges of Cruelty to Animals (9 counts), Failure to Pay Fine, and Failure to Appear by the Washington Parish Sheriff's Office. Bond set at $30,150.00.
Joseph Carter was booked on the charges of Possession of Schedule II Drugs, Simple Burglary, Criminal Damage to Property Less Than 1000, Theft 1000-5000, Criminal Damage, and Attempted Auto Theft by the Washington Parish Sheriff's Office. No bond set at this time.
Megan Kemph was booked on the charge of Possession of Stolen Things 1000-5000 by the Washington Parish Sheriff's Office. No bond set at this time.
Miracle James was booked on the charges of Aggravated Battery and Resisting an Officer (2 counts) by the Washington Parish Sheriff's Office. No bond set at this time.
April 10, 2021
STPSO Detectives Locate Drugs, Firearms While Looking for Missing Juvenile
St. Tammany Parish Sheriff’s detectives located a cache of drugs and firearms while assisting members of the US Marshals, who were searching for a missing juvenile at a Slidell-residence Friday (April 9, 2021) morning. Detectives with the St. Tammany Parish Sheriff’s Office Investigations Division, along with members of the US Marshals Service, went to a residence on Preachers Oak Lane in Slidell early Friday morning in an attempt to locate Robby Ray, a 16-year-old reported missing out of Clarksville, Tennessee. Ray was believed to be staying at the residence.
Upon arriving at the home, members of law enforcement made contact with the resident, Kolby Warren (DOB 9/9/1999) and explained they were looking for Ray. While there, detectives noticed multiple firearms and narcotics lying in plain view. Detectives secured a search warrant for the home and subsequently seized $17,586 and seven firearms, one of which had been reported stolen. Detectives also seized approximately 201 grams of marijuana, eight bottles of promethazine hydrochloride with codeine, 42 THC pods, oxycodone and various drug paraphernalia.
Warren was arrested and booked into the St. Tammany Parish Jail on numerous drug and firearms offenses.
Members of law enforcement were unable to locate the missing juvenile, Robby Ray at the address, and he is still currently listed as missing. Ray is 16years old, from Clarksville, Tennessee; and is approximately 5’10”. If anyone has any information on the whereabouts of Robby Ray, they are asked to contact the St. Tammany Parish Sheriff’s Office by calling (985) 898-2338.
Bogalusa Council Deals With Tax Exemption, Tax Collections, and Burials
At their meeting on April 6, 2021, the Bogalusa City Council considered the adoption of seven Resolutions, introduced three Ordinances (Public Hearings and voting on April 20th), held Public Hearings and voted on three Ordinances, heard from the public during Public Participation, and received Administrative Remarks from Mayor Wendy Perrette.
The two hour and eighteen minutes meeting was largely devoted to three issues:
- Consideration of Resolutions to deny or approve a $53,000,000.00 Industrial Tax Exemption for International Paper (24 minutes and 17 seconds, beginning at 4:30 into video of the meeting). After considerable discussion and clarification of the Resolution, the Council voted to approve the exemption application
- Consideration of a contract for between Avenu Insights & Analytics, Inc. and the City of Bogalusa for the collection of taxes (35 minutes and 27 seconds (beginning at 49:35 into video of the meeting). During discussion of the Ordinance, it was noted that businesses were apparently operating without a license and without paying taxes and resulting in loss of revenue to the City. In the end, the Council approved the Ordinance.
- Consideration of an Ordinance amending previous ordinances pertaining to burials in the Bogalusa and Ponemah cemeteries (45 minutes and 50 seconds, beginning at 1:14:10 into video of the meeting). Since the 2016 flood that caused considerable damage at Bogalusa Cemetery, the Council has received reports and passed ordinances and amendments regulating burials. However, issues continue to arise. In the end, the Council voted to table the Ordinance until they receive a report from the Cemetery Commission.
Also of note (beginning at 29:30 into video of the meeting), was a description by Councilman Mark Irvin of the Resolution supporting the Washington Parish Government's grant application that is planned to extend and straighten Willis Avenue to Sullivan Drive, install two roundabouts, and improve traffic to and from International Paper. The Council approved the Resolution.
Mayor Perrette (beginning at 2:01:50 into video of the meeting) noted that the City, for the first time since 1990, has not requested or made a Revenue Anticipation Loan. She also reported that the City received $2.7 million from the Cares Act, monies that is being used for sewer improvements and the rest reserved as a cushion.
Washington Parish Jail Bookings for April 8-9, 2021
Jeremy Payne was booked on the charge of Domestic Abuse/Pregnant Woman by the Washington Parish Sheriff's Office. Released on $3500.00 bond.
Todd Frisbie was booked In From Court
Tammy Branch was booked on the charge of Contempt of Court
Cody Jones was booked on the charge of Fugitive Other Jurisdiction
Kyle Gornor was booked on the charges of Criminal Damage to Property Under 1000, Reckless Operation of a Motor Vehicle, and Resisting an Officer
April 09, 2021
Bush Resident Killed in Crash on LA 21
On Thursday, April 8, 2021, shortly before 6:00 PM, Troopers from Louisiana State Police Troop L were dispatched to a two vehicle fatal crash on LA 21 near Nolan Lane in St. Tammany Parish. The crash has claimed the life of 34-year-old Randy Len Dupriest Jr. of Bush.
The initial investigation led Troopers to determine that the crash occurred as Dupriest was traveling northbound on LA 21 in a 2018 GMC Sierra. Dupriest’s vehicle traveled into the southbound lane and struck a 1995 Peterbilt Tractor Trailer head-on. Despite being properly restrained, Dupriest sustained fatal injuries in the crash and was pronounced deceased on-scene. The driver of the Peterbilt was also properly restrained. He was transported to an area hospital, where he was treated for injuries sustained in the crash. Troopers do not suspect impairment on the part of the driver of the Peterbilt. As part of the ongoing investigation, standard toxicology tests are pending analysis.
Severe Weather Expected Tonight
The National Weather Service (an hour ago) advises that a few severe storms will be possible this afternoon, but the main threat will be overnight tonight into Saturday morning.
Hail will be the main threat this afternoon, but all modes of severe weather will be possible tonight, with the main threat being damaging wind gusts.
Additionally, locally heavy rainfall could lead to ponding of water in low lying and poor drainage areas or isolated flash flooding. The greatest threat will be across areas generally north of the I-10/12 corridor.
Local Forecast for the Next Few Days
For an extended forecast and more details, go to our weather page.
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April 08, 2021
Washington Parish Jail Bookings for April 7, 2021
Gerderius Nelson was booked on the charges of Vehicle Burglary (2 counts) by the Franklinton Police Department. Bond set at $4000.00.
Chelsea Whaley was booked on the charge of Probation Violation by Probation and Parole. No bond set at this time.
Jonathan Magee was booked on the charges of Domestic Abuse Battery/Strangulation and Domestic Abuse/Child Endangerment (4 counts) by the Washington Parish Sheriff's Office. No bond set at this time.
Nathan Ventry was booked on the charge of Failure to Comply with Sex Offender Registration Requirements by the Washington Parish Sheriff's Office. Released on $10000.00 bond.
Kendrick Parker was booked on the charge of Illegal Discharge/Use of Weapon by the Bogalusa Police Department. Released on $5000.00 bond.
Local Forecast for the Next Few Days
For an extended forecast and more details, go to our weather page.
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April 07, 2021
Mt. Hermon Farmers Market is Saturday
Plan a visit to Mt. Hermon, Louisiana on April 10th from 8:00 to noon for the “first-ever” Mt. Hermon Farmers Market! There will be BBQ and lots of local crafts, animals, and products for sale. Plus, it is rumored that Mr. Owen Tufts has agreed to play his guitar to jazz it up a bit.
If you're local, it's easy to find. If not, you will find it in the Rawls Pharmacy parking lot located at the intersection of Highways 38 and 438.
The organizers and the rest of us are really excited to see how it turns out! We'll let ya know.
Pedestrian Killed in Tangipahoa Parish Crash
On Tuesday, April 6, 2021, shortly after 12:30 AM, Troopers from Louisiana State Police Troop L were dispatched to a fatal pedestrian crash on LA 22 near Sam Arnold Loop in Tangipahoa Parish. The crash has claimed the life of 39-year-old Scott R. Gagnon of Bangor, Maine.
The initial investigation led Troopers to determine that the crash occurred as Gagnon was walking westbound in the center of the eastbound lane of LA 22. While walking in the roadway, Gagnon was struck by a 1998 Toyota Corolla, which was traveling east on LA 22. Gagnon sustained fatal injuries and was pronounced deceased on scene. The driver of the Corolla was properly restrained and sustained minor injuries. There were no signs of impairment by the driver of the Corolla. As part of the ongoing investigation, standard toxicology tests are pending analysis.
According to information from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, in 2019, there were 6,205 fatalities involving pedestrians. The following guidance is offered to all pedestrians to maintain safety while walking.
Highlights of Bogalusa District A 7th Annual Clean Up Day
Submitted by Councilwoman Kates
I would like to share that our 7th Annual District A Clean Day on Sat, March 27, 2021 was a success. A Special thank you to our participates: Larry Brown, Tim Burris , Gloria Kates, Thomas Kates, Andrew Laurent, Glendora McEleve, Jerry, Joel Miller Sr., Jennifer Nelson, Chris Penton, Regina Powell, Patrick Rhodes, Eric Yarbrough, Stephanie Yarbrough, the Washington Parish Community Service team: Ms Hillary ,McMillan and Mr. Beck.
This year there was a concentration in District A in the areas of High Litter around Ann St., Austin St, Bayer St, Church st College St., Convenience St., Dauphine St., Davis St., North Border Dr., North Royal St., Poplas St, Redmond St, Seal St., just to name a few of areas visited.
Many residents adopted a block and adopted their own property to clean up. Reportedly, residents Joel Miller Jr. and Terrence May has volunteered to clean up numerous properties in the Poplas Area. In addition the Baptiste's Family, Hill Jones Family, Breaux Family, Boris Brown, Hebert Lewis, Magee Family, and Mon Morris, and many others participated by adopting a site.
A special thanks again to Amwaste Management (Trash was full in One and one fourth of the 30 ft roll-off dumpsters), Keep Louisiana Beautiful donating Face Masks, Hand Sanitizer, Trash Bags and Car stickers, and Standard of Bogalusa Housing Clean Up Crew at Oak Hill Housing and Redmond Heights Housing. site, Joe Black ( Quality Care), Ms Robin for her kindness of water on N. Border Drive.
The event was from 08:30 to Noon with luch following. All are appreciated for this much needed and on going task.
A final note of congratulations to the Cemetery cleanup held on Saturday as well. Let’s clean it ALL up.
Washington Parish Jail Bookings for April 4-6, 2021
Arica Runfalo was booked on the charge of Contempt of Court by the Washington Parish Sheriff's Office. Bond set at $7500.00.
Steven Seals was booked on the charges of Contempt of Court, Bond Surrender, Possession of Contraband in a Correctional Facility, Sale Distribution or Possession of Legend Drugs Without Prescription or Order (6 counts), Theft Less Than 1000, and Possession of Drug Paraphernalia by the Washington Parish Sheriff's Office. Released on $3500.00 bond.
Jermaine Barnes was booked on the charges of Criminal Conspiracy and Introduction of Contraband into Penal Institute by the Washington Parish Sheriff's Office. Bond set at $11000.00.
Christian Herring was booked on the charges of Resisting Arrest by Flight, No Drivers License, and Possession of Heroin by the Bogalusa Police Department. Bond set at $500.00.
Richard Lee was booked on the charges of Fugitive Other Jurisdiction and Contempt of Court by the Washington Parish Sheriff's Office. No bond set at this time.
Local Forecast for the Next Few Days
For an extended forecast and more details, go to our weather page.
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April 06, 2021
Local Forecast for the Next Few Days
For an extended forecast and more details, go to our weather page.
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