WPSO Solves Crimes – Arrests Four

The Washington Parish Sheriff’s Office arrested four young men as a result of investigations into criminal incidents which occurred last month (February 10 and 11, 2020) in the Hackley area north of Franklinton. The investigation involved shooting into an occupied dwelling and arson of a house on Seville Lane. Allegedly, the shooting was in retaliation for the arson.

Arrested and jailed were Javanta Dillon (18), a resident of Ben Williams Road, Damarea Javon Gay (19), a resident of Old Columbia Road, Dae’von Jameria Gay (17), a resident of Sam Thomas Road, and Syheim Bell (18), also a resident of Old Columbia Road.

Javanta Dillon was jailed on February 19 charged with four counts of attempted murder and simple arson. After posting a $200,000 bond, he was released on March 3. Jail records indicate this is the first time Dillon has been in the Washington Parish Jail.

Damarea Javon Gay was jailed on February 28 and remains in the Washington Parish Jail with his bond set at $300,000. He is charged with five counts of attempted murder, being a convicted felon in possession of a handgun and simple arson. Gay has three previous stays in the Washington Parish Jail since 2018. In March 2018, he was charged with six counts of attempted murder and released after posting a $50,000 bond. In October 2018, he was charged with resisting an officer by flight on foot. He was released after posting a $750 bond. In October 2019, he was jailed on charges of possession of illegal drugs and being a convicted felon in possession of a firearm. He was released after posting a $10,000 bond.

Dae’von Jameria Gay was jailed on February 19 charged with four counts of attempted murder and simple arson. He remains in jail with his bond set at $200,000. Jail records indicate this is his first stay in the Washington Parish Jail.

Syheim Bell was jailed on February 19 charged with simple arson. He spent one night in jail before posting a $750 bond for his release.

The Washington Parish Sheriff’s Office continues to investigate two more shootings in the same area. In this February incident, approximately thirty shots were fired from a roadway with numerous rounds striking both a residence and an automobile parked at the residence. Any person with information about this shooting is asked to contact Detective Kody Glenn at (985) 261-2021. Callers may remain anonymous.

“It is a miracle that no one was killed,” stated Sheriff Randy Seal. “I am so pleased with the work of our patrol deputies and detectives to solve the shooting and arson. We are anxious to solve the other shooting and will be grateful for any information from the public. We also continue to solicit information regarding the murder of JaQuarrius Taylor on January 12. Our detectives work daily investigating this tragic murder and welcome any information. If you have information on this murder, call CrimeStoppers or the Washington Parish Sheriff’s Office. There is a $5,000 reward for information which leads to the arrest and indictment of the person who committed this crime.”