Amite Convicted Felon Arrested During Hammond's Hot August Stroll Event

As reported today (August 29, 2024), the Hammond Police Department Narcotics Division
conducted an investigation during the Hot August Stroll event on August 24, 2024. During the nighttime hours, detectives observed what appeared to be a drugs transaction in front of a local downtown bar. 

Detectives and Patrol officers made contact with the suspected distributor, 55 year-old Ronald Thomas of Amite. Detectives located multiple individual bags of suspected cocaine and a glass smoking device containing suspected marijuana. After arresting Thomas, detectives learned he had a vehicle parked at a nearby address. A search warrant was executed on the vehicle, and the following was found: Canik 9mm handgun with loaded magazine and holster, suspected crack cocaine, suspected Adderall pills, glass pipe, and a box of Sandwich bags.

Thomas was later found to be a convicted felon and booked accordingly. 

All persons are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.

The public deserves the right to enjoy themselves during community events without having to worry about what may happen during a drug deal. There is zero tolerance for selling drugs in Hammond, and the Hammond Police Department will continue to investigate and arrest drug dealers. If you have information on someone possessing and/or selling drugs, please contact the Hammond Police Department Narcotics Division at 985-277-5700. Or if you prefer to remain anonymous, please call Crime Stoppers of Tangipahoa’s anonymous tip line at 1.800.554.5245 or visit www.tangicrimestoppers.com and click on the P3 Tips icon or Submit A Tip! Be a part of the solution and you may be eligible for a cash reward of up to $1,000! “