Bogalusa Police Arrest Three on Gun and Drug Charges

The Bogalusa Police Department has reported yesterday (September 19, 2023) on an incident on Saturday (September 16, 2023) that began with a complaint of persons with firearms and resulted in the arrest of four men and the seizure of four firearms and illegal drugs. 

BPD received the complaint of  numerous individuals standing near the intersection of Claiborne and Jefferson Street with firearms. As Officers arrived, one of the individuals, Tyler Whitfield, was partially concealing an AR-15 pistol underneath his jacket. Whitfield retreated back to the residence, where he was observed discarding the pistol underneath the residence. The other individuals retreated inside the residence. 

A search warrant for the residence resulted in Officers locating and seizing four firearms,  approximately 9.5 ounces of fentanyl, along with amounts of heroin, cocaine, marijuana and a large assortment of counterfeit pills, suspected of containing fentanyl. 

Arrested were 

• 33 year-old Benjamin Holmes of Angie. Holmes was booked into the Parish Jail on the charges of  Convicted Felon in Possession of Firearm, Possession of Heroin, Possession With Intent to Distribute Schedule 1 Drugs (2 counts), Possession With Intent to Distribute Schedule II Drugs, Possession of Schedule V Drugs (2 counts), Possession With Intent to Distribute Schedule III Drugs (2 counts), Sale Distribution or Possession of Legend Drugs Without Prescription or Order, Possession of Cocaine (28 to 200 Grams), Possession of Drug Paraphernalia, and Possession of CDS With Weapon Present. Holmes remains in jail as of this report with a bond set at $500,000.00
• 46 year-old Kendric Lampley of Bogalusa. Lampley was booked on the charges of Distribution of Schedule II Drugs (2 counts) and Convicted Felon in Possession of Firearm. Lampley remains in jail as of this report with a bond set at $250,000.00
• 18 year-old Tyler Whitfield of Franklinton. Whitfield was  booked on the charges of  Carrying a Concealed Weapon and Obstruction of Justice/Evidence Tampering. Whitfield was released September 19, 2023 on a $5000.00 bond.

The BPD report states “With the assistance of this alert citizen, Officers were able to remove a large quantity of narcotics and firearms from our neighborhood. It is highly encouraged that if anybody observes any illegal activity to contact BPD at 985-732-3611.”