July 10, 2025
Shooting at 4 am in Fluker Injures 8 Year-Old
The Tangipahoa Parish Sheriff’s Office (TPSO) needs the public’s help gathering information about a shots fired incident that occurred in the Fluker area overnight that injured a child sleeping inside of a home.
Around 4:00 a.m. this morning (July 10, 2025), 911 began receiving reports about shots fired in the 12000 block of Guiteau Mill Road. Shortly after, a mother called reporting that she had just discovered a bullet hole in an exterior wall of her home and that her 8-year-old son had been shot in the foot. The child was transported to an area hospital and is in stable condition.
This is an active investigation and detectives could use more help from the public with information circulating through the community especially regarding possible involved vehicles and/or suspects.
Sheriff Gerald Sticker encourages anyone with information about who is connected to or responsible for this incident with injury to contact the TPSO Criminal Investigations Division at 985-902-2088.
If you’d prefer to share information anonymously, you can do so through Crime Stoppers of Tangipahoa’s tip line at 1-800-554-5245 or visit www.tangicrimestoppers.com and click on the P3 Tips icon or Submit A Tip! Tips submitted through Crimestoppers may be eligible for a cash reward.
Franklinton Woman Indicted for Murder in Baby’s Death
District Attorney Collin Sims reports that on July 9, 2025, a Washington Parish grand jury indicted 25-year-old Autumn Victoria Hano Harper of Franklinton for first degree murder in the death of her 8-month-old son on March 12, 2025. The Franklinton Police Department’s Investigations Division, led by Major Randall Penton, handled the investigation. Assistant District Attorney Zachary Popovich with the Special Victims Unit presented the case to the grand jury.
On March 12, 2025, the FPD was summoned to Riverside Medical Center in reference to an 8 month-old child who had sustained severe injuries, to include multiple healing and current broken bones. The child was air flighted to Children's Hospital in New Orleans where on March 17, 2025, the child succumbed to its injuries.
On March 19, 2025, the FPD reported the arrest of Harper on the charge of 1st Degree Murder. FPD further reported that Harper was arrested following a voluntary inculpatory statement in which she implicated herself in the commission of the aforementioned crime. FPD identified Harper as the biological mother of the child.
Click here for previous related stories
***All persons are presumed innocent until proven guilty***
Washington Parish Jail Bookings for July 9, 2025
Paul Barber (age 60 with Bogalusa, La. address) was booked on the charge of Theft 1000-5000 by the Bogalusa Police Department. Released on $7500.00 bond.
Joshua Patterson (age 31 with Franklinton, La. address) was booked on the charge of Aggravated Arson of Inhabited Dwelling. No bond set at this time.
Nita Sims (age 69 with Franklinton, La. address) was booked on the charge of Theft 25000 or More by the Bogalusa Police Department. No bond set at this time.
Etric Peterson (age 41 with Bogalusa, La. address) was booked on the charges of Aggravated Flight from an Officer, Reckless Operation of a Motor Vehicle, Open Container in Vehicle, Resisting an Officer, Principle to Criminal Damage, and Driving While Intoxicated. Released on $10000.00 bond.
Dalton Richardson (age 27 with Bush, La. address) was booked on the charges of Proper Equipment Required, Possession of CDS With Weapon Present, Possession of Drug Paraphernalia, Possession of Schedule II Drugs, Protective Order Violation, and Contempt of Court (2 counts) by the Bogalusa Police Department. Released on $35000.00 bond.
Reno Miley (age 27 with Bogalusa, La. address) was booked on the charges of Theft of a Motor Vehicle 1000-5000 by the Bogalusa Police Department. No bond set at this time.
***All persons are presumed innocent until proven guilty***
Today's Headlines from NPR News
0:00 Today’s Top Stories, 0:20 Data: FEMA Missing Major Flood Risks, 1:18 Hundreds Gather For Vigil, 2:09 Trump Pivots On Weapons For Ukraine, 3:08 Musk's New Party Expected To Appeal To Young Men, 4:06 Trump Hits Brazil With 50% Tariffs, 4:55 Workers Rescued After Tunnel Collapse, 5:53 Nvidia's Market Value Hits $4 Trillion, 6:25 Moo Deng Celebrates Her 1st Birthday, 7:00 'KPop Demon Hunters' Surges On The Charts
Local Forecast for the Next Few Days
July 09, 2025
Slidell Man Accused of Sexually Soliciting Juveniles
Shortly before 6:00 a.m. on Monday (July 7, 2025), Slidell Police Department officers responded to
the parking lot of Big Lots in Slidell, following a report of a suspicious male who approached a group of juveniles walking near the store. The man reportedly drove up to the group and asked one of the juveniles if he could perform oral sex on him. The juveniles immediately rejected the man’s advances, and the man drove away.
Thanks to the quick thinking of the juveniles, who were able to provide police with a detailed description of the vehicle and a license plate number, officers were able to quickly identify and locate the suspect. A short time later, Slidell Police made contact with the man, identified as 67-year-old Rene Hocke of Slidell at his residence.
After being questioned by officers, Hocke confessed to the allegations. Hocke was subsequently arrested and charged with Indecent Behavior with a Juvenile (Louisiana Revised Statute 14:81).
Chief Randy Fandal praised the actions of the juveniles and officers, stating:
“𝙄’𝙢 𝙚𝙭𝙩𝙧𝙚𝙢𝙚𝙡𝙮 𝙥𝙧𝙤𝙪𝙙 𝙤𝙛 𝙩𝙝𝙚𝙨𝙚 𝙠𝙞𝙙𝙨 𝙛𝙤𝙧 𝙧𝙚𝙘𝙤𝙜𝙣𝙞𝙯𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙨𝙤𝙢𝙚𝙩𝙝𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙬𝙖𝙨𝙣’𝙩 𝙧𝙞𝙜𝙝𝙩 𝙖𝙣𝙙 𝙞𝙢𝙢𝙚𝙙𝙞𝙖𝙩𝙚𝙡𝙮 𝙨𝙥𝙚𝙖𝙠𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙪𝙥. 𝙏𝙝𝙚𝙞𝙧 𝙘𝙤𝙪𝙧𝙖𝙜𝙚 𝙖𝙣𝙙 𝙦𝙪𝙞𝙘𝙠 𝙖𝙘𝙩𝙞𝙤𝙣 𝙝𝙚𝙡𝙥𝙚𝙙 𝙪𝙨 𝙩𝙖𝙠𝙚 𝙩𝙝𝙞𝙨 𝙞𝙣𝙙𝙞𝙫𝙞𝙙𝙪𝙖𝙡 𝙤𝙛𝙛 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙨𝙩𝙧𝙚𝙚𝙩𝙨 𝙖𝙣𝙙 𝙥𝙤𝙨𝙨𝙞𝙗𝙡𝙮 𝙥𝙧𝙚𝙫𝙚𝙣𝙩𝙚𝙙 𝙝𝙞𝙢 𝙛𝙧𝙤𝙢 𝙥𝙧𝙚𝙮𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙤𝙣 𝙨𝙤𝙢𝙚𝙤𝙣𝙚 𝙚𝙡𝙨𝙚."
This incident serves as a strong reminder of the importance of speaking up and taking action to protect one another, especially our youth.
***All persons are presumed innocent until proven guilty***
Mt. Hermon Man Indicted for Murder of Franklinton Man
District Attorney Collin Sims reports that on July 9, 2025, a Washington Parish grand jury indicted 34-year-old Jerry Charles Baker, Jr. of Mount Hermon for second degree murder and possession of a firearm by a felon in relation to the fatal shooting of 31-year-old Ryan Simmons of Franklinton on January 2, 2025. Sargeant Justin Blackwell with the Bogalusa Police Department headed the investigation. Assistant District Attorney Ronald Gracianette presented the case to the grand jury.
The Bogalusa Police Department had reported on March 27, 2025 that Officers with the Bogalusa Police Department located and arrested Jerry Charles Baker, Jr. on felony warrant charges of Second Degree Murder, Illegal Use Of Weapons, and Possession of Weapons by a Convicted Felon. Baker was reportedly in possession of a stolen firearm and legend drugs that resulted in additional charges.
STPSO Reports on 🔥 𝙃𝙀𝘼𝙏 𝙒𝘼𝙑𝙀 𝙃𝙀𝙄𝙎𝙏 🔥
From a Post by the St. Tammany Parish Sheriff's Office on their Facebook page. Click here for the video
𝙈𝙊𝙍𝙉𝙄𝙉𝙂 𝙁𝘼𝙈😎 Hey, we don’t have to take it…and neither should y’all. This guy walked into a Covington-area store with a plan: grab two window unit ACs, toss them in a buggy like he was shopping for pool noodles, and roll straight out the door. No checkout. No hesitation. No shame☠️.
He loaded them up and drove off in a white 4-door Dodge Ram. He heisted $998.00 in stolen merchandise like it was just another errand…no care, no conscience, no checkout. Dorothy, Rose, and Sophia were caught on camera delivering some of the most savage side eyes 👀 in Golden Girls history. You’ll see what we mean☠️🫠.
So if you recognize this guy or his little routine of bad decisions:
💬 Slide into our DMs, 📞 Call dispatch at 985-898-2338, 📱 Or contact Detective John Griggs at 985-276-1335.
Today's Headlines from NPR News
0:00 Today’s Top Stories, 0:15 Recovery Efforts Continue In Texas, 1:09 3 Killed In New Mexico Flash Flooding, 1:47 Trump, Netanyahu Continue To Meet, 2:28 IRS: Churches Can Weigh In On Politics, 3:22 Impostor Using AI To Impersonate Rubio, 4:20 TSA Ends Shoe Removal Policy, 4:57 Supreme Court Allows Mass Layoffs, 5:46 LA Joins Lawsuit Challenging ICE Tactics, 6:41 Red Bull Fires Christian Horner
Public Speaking Decorum Rules / $11,000 Donation Addressed at Franklinton Council Meeting
At the beginning of the Tuesday (July 8, 2025) regular meeting of the Franklinton Mayor and Board of Aldermen, Public Speaking Decorum Rules (shown below) were read and explained. Almost immediately thereafter, one person in attendance interrupted the meeting with a question and without being recognized or identifying himself. Per the rules just read and explained, that person was promptly removed from the meeting.
The Town's meetings in the recent past have often been disorderly and chaotic with the Mayor and Aldermen subjected to personal attacks and disrespect. Interruptions of the meetings have been common. Thus, the need for Public Speaking Decorum Rules and a return to orderly meetings for the Board to address Agenda items and the business of the Town.
Not all members of the Board were in agreement with implementation of the rules. Alderman Butler and Alderwoman Crain had questions and comments.
In other business,
- the Board heard from Washington Parish Tourism Commission Executive Director Patty Alford (beginning at 3:40 into the video of the meeting) to clarify an issue from a previous meeting of the Board. The Tourism Commission had made a $11,000.00 donation to the Town to pay for the fireworks show at the Washington Parish Watermelon Festival. At the Board's meeting on June 24, 2025, Watermelon Festival representatives objected to the donation to the Town, saying that the $11,000.00 should have been provided to the Watermelon Festival. The controversy prompted the Board to vote to return the donation to the Tourism Commission. However, at this Tuesday evening meeting, Alford confirmed that the donation to the Town was provided properly and as intended and the Board then voted to rescind the vote of the June 24, 2025 meeting. Additionally, Alford spoke of the Tourism Commission's efforts to attract visitors to Washington Parish and bemoaned negative publicity coming from public meetings.
- the Board voted to approve alcohol permits for Jack Brown’s Food Store, Akita Sushi, Dollar General 6110, and Dollar General 1283.
No persons spoke during Public Participation
Board members provided additional comments (beginning at 18:30 into video of the meeting)
See video of the meeting below
Washington Parish Jail Bookings for July 8, 2025
Lawrence Bienvenu (age 36 with Franklinton, La. address) was booked on the charges of Failure to
Appear (2 counts) by the Washington Parish Sheriff's Office. No bond set at this time.
Emmanuel Tate (age 39 with Franklinton, La. address) was booked on the charge of Second Degree Robbery by the Washington Parish Sheriff's Office. No bond set at this time.
Derrick Warren (age 56 with Gretna, La. address) was booked on the charge of Fugitive Other Jurisdiction by the Franklinton Police Department. No bond set at this time.
***All persons are presumed innocent until proven guilty***
Local Forecast for the Next Few Days
July 08, 2025
Child Severely Injured in Slidell Dog Attack
Shortly before noon on Monday (July 7, 2025), the Slidell Police Department responded to a residence off of West Hall Avenue following reports of a dog attack involving a young child.
Upon arrival, officers found a 6-year-old child suffering from severe injuries. The attack came from the family’s pitbull, which was temporarily chained in the backyard at the time of the incident. Due to the seriousness of the injuries, the child was immediately airlifted to a trauma hospital in New Orleans for urgent medical treatment.
Slidell Animal Control has taken possession of the dog, as the investigation continues.
“𝙏𝙝𝙞𝙨 𝙞𝙨 𝙖 𝙩𝙧𝙖𝙜𝙚𝙙𝙮 𝙩𝙝𝙖𝙩 𝙝𝙞𝙩𝙨 𝙖𝙡𝙡 𝙤𝙛 𝙪𝙨 𝙞𝙣 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙝𝙚𝙖𝙧𝙩,” said Slidell Police Chief Randy Fandal. “𝙊𝙪𝙧 𝙝𝙚𝙖𝙧𝙩𝙨 𝙖𝙧𝙚 𝙬𝙞𝙩𝙝 𝙩𝙝𝙞𝙨 𝙘𝙝𝙞𝙡𝙙 𝙖𝙣𝙙 𝙩𝙝𝙚𝙞𝙧 𝙛𝙖𝙢𝙞𝙡𝙮, 𝙖𝙣𝙙 𝙬𝙚’𝙧𝙚 𝙥𝙧𝙖𝙮𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙛𝙤𝙧 𝙨𝙩𝙧𝙚𝙣𝙜𝙩𝙝, 𝙝𝙚𝙖𝙡𝙞𝙣𝙜, 𝙖𝙣𝙙 𝙝𝙤𝙥𝙚 𝙞𝙣 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙙𝙖𝙮𝙨 𝙖𝙝𝙚𝙖𝙙.”
We ask that you keep the child and their family in your thoughts and prayers as they navigate this difficult time.
Driver Killed in St. Tammany Parish Crash
On July 7, 2025, at approximately 9:30 a.m., Troopers with Louisiana State Police Troop L responded to a single-vehicle crash on LA Hwy 40 near Barker Road in St. Tammany Parish. The crash claimed the life of 64-year-old Houston Dutruch of Covington.
The preliminary investigation revealed that a 1998 Ford F-800 pulling a trailer, driven by Dutruch, was traveling southbound on LA Hwy 40. For reasons still under investigation, the Ford traveled off of the roadway to the right. As a result, the Ford struck a culvert and overturned onto its roof.
Dutruch, who was properly restrained, sustained fatal injuries. He was pronounced deceased at the scene. As part of the ongoing investigation, a routine toxicology sample was obtained from Dutruch for analysis.
Washington Parish Jail Bookings for July 5-7, 2025
Christopher Cole (age 18 with Franklinton, La. address) was booked on the charges of Resisting an Officer and Attempted Criminal Damage to Property by the Washington Parish Sheriff's Office. Bond set at $3000.00.
Aaron Duncan (age 25 with Franklinton, La. address) was booked on the charge of Domestic Abuse Battery by the Washington Parish Sheriff's Office. No bond set at this time.
Bryant Myers (age 28 with Bogalusa, La. address) was booked on the charges of Carjacking and Aggravated Flight from an Officer by the Bogalusa Police Department. No bond set at this time.
Jennifer Nelson-Vice (age 48 with Bogalusa, La. address) was booked on the charge of Failure to Appear by the Washington Parish Sheriff's Office. No bond set at this time.
Christopher Barze (age 29 with Kentwood, La. address) was booked on the charge of Probation Violation. No bond set at this time.
Brittany Pierce (age 32 with Bogalusa, La. address) was booked on the charges of Domestic Abuse/Child Endangerment (2 counts) by the Washington Parish Sheriff's Office. No bond set at this time.
***All persons are presumed innocent until proven guilty***
Local Forecast for the Next Few Days
July 07, 2025
Two Charged with Sexual Abuse of a Minor
The Washington Parish Sheriff's Office reports the arrests of formerly married 40 year-old Ashley L. Jones of Bogalusa, La. and 33 year-old Nicholus A. Jones of Kiln, Ms. in connection with the alleged abuse of a juvenile that took place over a 7-year period, beginning when the victim was 2 years old.
After a series of forensic interviews conducted at Hope House Children’s Advocacy Center revealed alleged sexual abuse of a juvenile victim, two arrest warrants were issued.
Ashley L. Jones was arrested on June 26, 2025 and is charged with cruelty to a juvenile and accessory after the fact (felony). Bond has been set at $100,000.00.
Nicholus A. Jones was arrested on July 2, 2025 and is charged with 1st degree rape, crime against nature-aggravated, and molestation of a juvenile or person with a mental/physical disability. No bond has been set at this time.
***All persons are presumed innocent until proven guilty***
Covington Man Charged with Third-Degree Rape (2 counts)
Brian Heck, age 54 and of Covington, has been arrested by the Washington Parish Sheriff's Office on two counts of Third-Degree Rape
WPSO Deputies were dispatched on July 4, 2025 to a camp on Meckling Drive in reference to a possible rape. According to a report by the WPSO, after a day of tubing and barbequing, the two victims retired to the camp for a nap, where one reports waking up after being raped and the other woke up while Heck was subsequently attempting to rape her.
The two victims drove to St. Tammany Parish Hospital for treatment immediately after the alleged incident, where rape test kits were collected and turned over to the Washington Parish Sheriff’s Office. Shortly after, Deputies arrested Heck on two counts of Third-Degree Rape and he was transported to the Washington Parish Jail. No bond has been set at this time.
***All persons are presumed innocent until proven guilty***
Teen Dies by Drowning at White Sands Lake Beach
On July 4, 2025, at approximately 11:53 AM, Washington Parish Sheriff's Office Deputies were dispatched to White Sands Lake Beach, south of Franklinton, after a call came in to report a drowning. When they arrived, they found 16-year-old Dyquell Deadre Gross unresponsive at the scene. After attempting to resuscitate, he was transported to Riverside Medical Center, where he was later pronounced deceased.
The WPSO expresses their deepest condolences to the family and friends of Mr. Gross as they deal with the tragic death of their loved one.
Two Arrested, One Wanted Following Mandeville-area Shooting
Keshawn Smith, age 19, and Rena McDonald, age 62, both of Mandeville, were arrested Saturday (July 5, 2025) in connection with a shooting incident that occurred Thursday (July 3, 2025) near Mandeville. Smith was charged with Principal to Attempted First Degree Murder and McDonald was charged with Accessory After the Fact to Attempted First Degree Murder.
Loranja Smith (pictured right), age 19 and of Baker, is wanted on a warrant for Attempted First Degree Murder. Anyone who has information about Loranja Smith’s whereabouts is asked to contact the St. Tammany Parish Sheriff’s Office by calling (985) 898-2338.
Shortly before 11:30 a.m. Thursday, STPSO deputies were dispatched to the area of Orleans and Lafayette Streets near Mandeville in reference to a shooting. Deputies learned that no one was struck; however, there was property damage.
The individuals involved are believed to be known to each other, and the incident is not believed to be random.
Anyone with information is asked to call the St. Tammany Parish Sheriff’s Office at (985) 898-2338.
***All persons are presumed innocent until proven guilty***
🍉🍉 WASHINGTON PARISH WATERMELON FESTIVAL 2025 SCHEDULE OF EVENTS 🍉🍉
Make plans to be at the Washington Parish Fairgrounds on July 11-13, 2025 for the Washington Parish Watermelon Festival. FREE ADMISSION! And, 🍉💚🍉 You will find family-friendly, small-town fun with a whole lotta watermelon pride!
Tangipahoa Parish: Two Teen Suspects Arrested, Two Sought in Dollar Store Theft
Riyuana Green, age 19, and Tyriunna Campbell, age 18, both from Hammond, were arrested July 1, 2025 on shoplifting charges. The two were identified thanks to a Crime Stoppers of Tangipahoa, Inc. tip, and issued summonses. In addition, there are warrants issued for Kayla Toefield, 18, and a 15-year-old girl (image blurred).
On May 29, 2025, the Tangipahoa Parish Sheriff’s Office (TPSO) asked for the public’s help in identifying and locating four women accused of stealing from a Dollar General Store on Wardline Road in Hammond. Four black females entered the Dollar General store and began rummaging through various items. Another customer then alerted the store manager to the women removing items from their packaging and hiding them in their clothes. Before they could be confronted, the women left in a small, gray 4-door vehicle without paying for any items.
Sheriff Gerald Sticker encourages anyone with information about Toefield's whereabouts to contact Det. Earl McFarland at 985-902-2043.
**Suspects pictured are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.**
Local Forecast for the Next Few Days
Tropical Disturbances Today
Tropical Depression Chantal, formerly Tropical Storm Chantal, is located inland over eastern Virginia. Chantal is expected to continue bringing life-threatening surf and rip currents along the coast from northeastern Florida to the Mid-Atlantic states during the next day or so. Tropical cyclone formation is not expected during the next 7 days.
July 06, 2025
Local Forecast for the Next Few Days
July 05, 2025
Washington Parish Jail Bookings for July 4, 2025
Cody Crawford (age 43 with Franklinton, La. address) was booked on the charges of Simple Burglary, Criminal Damage, and Criminal Trespass by the Franklinton Police Department. Bond set at $16000.00.
Brian Heck (age 54 with Covington, La. address) was booked on the charges of Third Degree Rape/Vaginal (2 counts) by the Washington Parish Sheriff's Office. No bond set at this time.
***All persons are presumed innocent until proven guilty***
Local Forecast for the Next Few Days
Tropical Disturbances Today
Tropical Storm Chantal: Yesterday's area of low pressure has strengthened into today's Tropical Storm Chantal with a Tropical Storm Warning issued for portions of the Carolinas. Chantal is located about 150 miles SSE of Charleston, South Carolina moving north at 2 MPH with 40 MPH maximum sustained winds. A slow motion toward the north-northwest is expected to begin later today, followed by a turn to the northeast by Sunday night. On the forecast track, the center of Chantal is expected to move across the coast of South Carolina Sunday morning. After landfall, the cyclone should weaken, become post-tropical, and dissipate.
July 04, 2025
$53,902 Cash, Guns, Drugs Found & 5 Arrested in Hammond
On July 2, 2025, the Hammond Police Department Narcotics Division, Criminal Investigations Division, and SWAT team, assisted by the Louisiana State Police Narcotics Division, executed numerous search warrants, resulting in the arrest of five suspects and the recovery of illegal narcotics, multiple firearms, and a large amount of US currency.
Arrested were 25 year-old Charles Anderson, 21 year-old Frederick Varnado, 34 year-od Jessica Anderson, 43 year-old Latrica Anderson, and 61 year-old Geneva Mckay - all of Hammond.
Officers recovered
- 2 Glock handguns with multiple loaded extended magazines
- Assault rifle with loaded magazine
- Multiple bags/containers of suspected marijuana
- Multiple bottles of pills
- Multiple bags of pills, including suspected ecstasy
- Multiple items of drug paraphernalia
- $53,902 in US currency
Charles Anderson was out on bond for a 2022 arrest where he was found to be in possession of numerous pills and marijuana. His new arrest will affect that bond.
The Hammond Police Department would like to thank the Louisiana State Police for their assistance with this investigation and look forward to future joint investigations. HPD also wants citizens to know the department will continue investigating and arresting distributors of illegal narcotics, ensuring Hammond continues to be a safe and welcoming place for all people.
If you have information on someone possessing and/or selling illegal narcotics or firearms, please contact the Hammond Police Department Narcotics Division at 985-277-5700.
**All subjects are innocent until proven guilty**
Washington Parish Jail Bookings for July 3, 2025
Kaen Holmes (age 44 with Bogalusa, La. address) was booked on the charges of Criminal Negligence and Compounding a Felony by the Bogalusa Police Department. Bond set at $100000.00
Denver Ezell (age 19 with Angie, La. address) was booked on the charges of Domestic Abuse/Aggravated Assault and Domestic Abuse Battery by the Washington Parish Sheriff's Office. No bond set at this time.
David Hall (age 41 with Bogalusa, La. address) was booked on the charge of Fugitive Other Jurisdiction by the Washington Parish Sheriff's Office. No bond set at this time.
Nicholus Jones (age 33 with Kiln, Ms. address) was booked on the charges of 1st Degree Rape/Vaginal (2 counts) and Molestation of a Juvenile or Person With Physical/Mental Disability by the Washington Parish Sheriff's Office. No bond set at this time.
Glen Miller (age 78 with Franklinton, La. address) was booked on the charge of Domestic Abuse Battery by the Washington Parish Sheriff's Office. No bond set at this time.
Linda Pittman (age 37 with Bogalusa, La. address) was booked on the charges of Driving While Intoxicated With Child Endangerment, Possession of Marijuana, and No Drivers License by the Washington Parish Sheriff's Office. No bond set at this time.
***All persons are presumed innocent until proven guilty***
Local Forecast for the Next Few Days
Tropical Disturbances Today
Near the Southeastern United States (AL92): An area of low pressure is located about 100 miles off the northeast Florida coast. Environmental conditions are forecast to be marginally conducive for further development, and a short-lived tropical or subtropical depression could form late today or on Saturday while the system drifts northward. This low is expected to move inland over the southeastern U.S. Saturday night or early Sunday. Formation chance through 48 hours...medium...60 percent and formation chance through 7 days...medium...60 percent.
July 03, 2025
Bogalusa City Council meeting - July 3, 2025
The meeting of the Bogalusa City Council on July 3, 2025 will begin at 5:30 PM
Bank Robbery Nets Slidell Man 45 Years in Prison
District Attorney Collin Sims reports that on July 2, 2025, 50-year-old Herbert Davis of Slidell pled guilty to armed robbery with a firearm and was sentenced by Judge Vincent Lobello to 45 years in prison without benefit of parole. Assistant District Attorneys Tiffany Dover and Shelby Stoop prosecuted the case. Detective Kyle Taylor with the Slidell Police Department led the investigation.
Shortly before noon on November 2, 2023, a man, later determined to be Herbert Davis, entered a bank on Gause Blvd in Slidell. Wearing a black baseball cap and a black face mask to conceal his identity, Davis approached a teller and pointed a semi-automatic handgun at him. While throwing a drawstring bag toward the teller, Davis demanded the teller fill it with money. The teller quietly placed approximately $6,000 into the bag and returned the bag to Davis. Davis then fled the bank on foot.
Upon notification of the armed robbery, officers with the Slidell Police Department responded to the bank and immediately began their investigation. In addition to surveillance video from the bank itself, detectives also obtained video footage from other sources in the vicinity of the bank. Those videos showed after committing the robbery, Davis walked to a pickup truck parked approximately a block from the bank and drove away. The truck had no license plate but detectives utilized other database sources to obtain the license plate number affiliated with the truck. It revealed the truck was registered to Herbert Davis.
Detectives obtained search warrants for both the truck and the Slidell residence of Davis. On November 3, 2023, detectives spotted Davis driving his truck in Slidell. Patrol officers attempted to conduct a traffic stop of Davis but Davis alluded the officers by running stops signs and driving more than 30 miles over the speed limit. Officers were eventually able to stop Davis. A search of his truck revealed a latex glove similar to one worn by the bank robber as seen in the bank video. Also recovered from his truck were various denominations of U.S. currency, a black face mask and a radio capable of monitoring police radio transmissions. A search of the residence belonging to Davis led to the discovery of an empty gun case and an owner’s manual for a semi-automatic handgun consistent with the one used in the robbery. Detectives obtained an arrest warrant for armed robbery and arrested Davis on the warrant.
When Davis was questioned about the robbery, he denied any involvement. Davis was transported to the Slidell city jail. The next day, Davis alerted a correctional officer he wanted to speak to the detectives again. When the detectives returned to the jail, Davis said he was ready to tell the truth. He said he was experiencing financial problems and the idea to rob a bank just popped in his head. He said he drove to a parking lot near the bank and sat in his truck for a long period. He said he prayed about it for a while before entering the bank but should have prayed more. Davis was asked what he did with the money. He said he threw the bag of money out the truck window when the patrol officers were pursuing him. Detectives went to the area where Davis said he discarded the bag and they were able to recover it. It still contained nearly $6,000 in cash.
During the guilty plea and sentencing of Davis, two bank employees gave verbal statements in court as to how they were impacted by the traumatic experience of being robbed at gunpoint. Davis and several of members of his family gave testimony seeking sympathy from the court. Before imposing the 45-year prison term, the court noted Davis put the victims in real danger of losing their lives. The court also noted that Davis was able to sell some property to post his bond but chose not to consider that option when he instead decided to rob the bank during a financially difficult time.
Davis has prior felony convictions for simple burglary, unauthorized entry of a business and possession of stolen things. He faced up to 104 years in prison on the charge of armed robbery with a firearm.
St. Tammany Parish Jail Inmate and Wife Arrested for Plotting to Bring Drugs into Jail
A St. Tammany Parish Jail inmate, 44-year-old Jonathan Joyner, and his wife, 38-year-old Patricia Picasso, were arrested last month after St. Tammany Parish Sheriff detectives learned of their plan to smuggle illegal narcotics into the St. Tammany Parish Correctional Center.
Detectives with St. Tammany Parish Sheriff’s Jail Investigations Unit learned that Joyner was receiving deliveries of illegal contraband from his wife. Detectives confiscated 1.6 grams of suspected methamphetamine, approximately 20 suspected Suboxone strips and cigarettes before the items could be distributed throughout the jail.
Warrants were issued for Picasso’s arrest on the charges of Introduction of Contraband into a Correctional Facility (3 counts), Distribution of a Schedule II C.D.S, and Distribution of a Schedule III C.D.S. On June 25, 2025, detectives with Jail Investigations Unit and the STPSO Proactive Enforcement Unit located Picasso at her home, and she was arrested on the above listed warrants.
While searching her residence, detectives located and seized approximately 2.5 grams of methamphetamine, approximately 5.8 grams of fentanyl and miscellaneous drug paraphernalia. It was also learned Picasso had two prior arrests in the State of Mississippi for Introduction of Contraband into a Correctional Facility.
Picasso was transported to the St. Tammany Parish Correctional Center and was booked on the warrants in addition to charges of Possession with Intent to Distribute Schedule II (methamphetamine), Possession with Intent to Distribute Schedule II (fentanyl), and Possession of Drug Paraphernalia.
Joyner, who was already in custody, was rebooked on the charges of Introduction of Contraband into a Correctional Facility, Possession with Intent to Distribute a Schedule II C.D.S, and Possession with Intent to Distribute a Schedule III C.D.S.
The investigation is ongoing and additional arrests are expected.
***All persons are presumed innocent until proven guilty***
Washington Parish Jail Bookings for July 1-2, 2025
Sameshia Reed (age 27 with Bogalusa, La. address) was booked on the charge of Self-Mutilation by a Prisoner by the Bogalusa Police Department. No bond set at this time.
Cody Jones (age 29 with Angie, La. address) was booked on the charges of Possession of Drug Paraphernalia, Possession of Schedule II Drugs, Possession of Stolen Property, and Fugitive Other Jurisdiction by the Bogalusa Police Department. No bond set at this time.
Jack Skinner (age 44 with Poplarville, Ms. address) was booked on the charge of Failure to Comply With Sex Offender Registration Requirements by the Washington Parish Sheriff's Office. No bond set at this time.
Archie Miller (age unknown with Mt. Hermon, La. address) was booked on the charges of Speeding 11-20 Over Limit, Driving During Darkness With Parking Lights, Possession of Schedule 1 Drugs, Possession of CDS With Weapon Present, Possession of Drug Paraphernalia, and No Proof of Insurance by the Franklinton Police Department. No bond set at this time.
Ketara Pittman (age 24 with Poplarville, Ms. address) was booked on the charges of Possession of Schedule 1 Drugs, Child Restraint Violation, and Possession of Drug Paraphernalia by the Franklinton Police Department. No bond set at this time.
***All persons are presumed innocent until proven guilty***
Local Forecast for the Next Few Days
Tropical Disturbances Today
Near the Southeastern U.S.: An area of low pressure is forecast to develop along a weakening frontal boundary near Florida or the Atlantic coast of the southeastern United States by Saturday. Environmental conditions appear only marginally conducive for some slow development, but a tropical or subtropical depression could form in this region over the weekend or early next week while the system drifts northward or northeastward. Formation chance through 48 hours...low...20 percent and formation chance through 7 days...medium...60 percent.
July 02, 2025
Local Forecast for the Next Few Days
Tropical Disturbances Today
Near the Southeastern U.S.: An area of low pressure could develop near the southeast U.S. Atlantic or Gulf coasts by this weekend along a weakening frontal boundary. Environmental conditions appear only marginally conducive for some slow development, but a tropical or subtropical depression could form in this region over the weekend or early next week while the system moves little. Formation chance through 48 hours...low...near 0 percent and formation chance through 7 days...medium...40 percent.
July 01, 2025
Amite Police Investigating: Man Bought Mower With Stolen Credit Card
The Amite City Police Department initiated an investigation on Monday (June 30, 2025) into
the fraudulent use of a credit card at East Side Garage in Amite.
On June 16, 2025, an individual contacted East Side Garage to order a lawn mower. Payment for the lawn mower was processed by use of a credit card. Later that day, the mower was picked up by the individual shown in this photograph and loaded into a white dual-wheel pickup truck. Subsequently, East Side Garage received a notification from the credit card company indicating that the credit card used for payment of the mower purchase had been reported stolen.
Anyone who can identify the individual in this photograph is urged to reach out to the Amite City Police Department at 985-748-6169. If you wish 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! You may be eligible for a cash reward.
All suspects are innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
Bogalusa - Back in the News!
An article "Meet the accountant who now runs Bogalusa. He doesn't speak with Mayor Tyrin Truong" by Willie Swett was published June 30, 2025 on nola.com. The complete article can be read here. The article is partly based on an interview with Robert Neilson but includes comments by Bogalusa Mayor Truong and additional comments by Swett.
Later on June 30, 2025, The Silent Lantern posted this response (see below) that gives context to the article written by Swett. Previous posts by The Silent Lantern can be reviewed here.
On January 29, 2025, the Fiscal Review Committee voted to place the City of Bogalusa under Fiscal Administration and appointed Robert Neilson as Fiscal Administrator. Click here for background on Neilson's appointment
Neilson was appointed to fix the financial mess that the City of Bogalusa is now in. Yet, following his appointment, Neilson was met with resistance and the resistance continues.
One thing is certain, REVERSING COURSE IS NOT AN OPTION.
Washington Parish Jail Bookings for June 29-30, 2025
Phillip Accardo (age 43 with Amite, La. address) was booked on the charge of Bank Fraud by the Washington Parish Sheriff's Office. No bond set at this time.
Chassidy Lange (age 24 with Mandeville, La. address) was booked on the charge of Driving With Suspended License Due to Previous DWI (or Other) by the Washington Parish Sheriff's Office. No bond set at this time.
Brian Johnson (age 49 with Bogalusa, La. address) was booked on the charges of Aggravated Assault With a Firearm, Aggravated Burglary, Possession of Schedule II Drugs, Possession of Marijuana, Possession of Drug Paraphernalia, Resisting an Officer, and Contempt of Court (2 counts) by the Bogalusa Police Department. No bond set at this time.
Damarea Gay (age 24 with Franklinton, La. address) was booked on the charges of Aggravated Assault With a Firearm, Convicted Felon in Possession of Firearm, and Illegal Possession of a Stolen Firearm by the Bogalusa Police Department. No bond set at this time.
Jessica Gorsuch (age 38 with New Orleans, La. address) was booked on the charges of Driving Under Suspension, Possession of Schedule II Drugs, Possession of Drug Paraphernalia, Possession of Schedule V Drugs, Convicted Felon in Possession of Firearm, and No Proof of Insurance by the Bogalusa Police Department. No bond set at this time.
***All persons are presumed innocent until proven guilty***
Local Forecast for the Next Few Days
Tropical Disturbances Today
Near the Southeastern U.S.: A frontal boundary is expected to stall and weaken off the southeast U.S. coast late this week. An area of low pressure could develop from the weakening front by the weekend over the Atlantic waters off the southeast U.S., over Florida, or over the eastern Gulf. Some gradual tropical or subtropical development could occur thereafter as the low drifts and moves little. Formation chance through 48 hours...low...near 0 percent and formation chance through 7 days...low...30 percent.
