Three Teenage Shooting Victims at Strawberry Festival

The Ponchatoula Police Department (PPD), in collaboration with numerous law enforcement partners, continue to actively investigate Saturday (April 12, 2025) night's shooting incident on the Strawberry Festival grounds and a second shooting incident nearby, on the outskirts of the grounds.

At 9:25 p.m., authorities patrolling Ponchatoula Memorial Park, where the Strawberry Festival is centered, responded to shots fired around the ticket booth. They first encountered a teenage male victim, with a graze wound to the leg, before discovering another teenage male victim with a gunshot wound to the abdomen. Both were taken to a local hospital for treatment. 

Five minutes later, PPD responded to a shots fired call at the Ponchatoula Community Center located at North 5th Street and Beech. One teenage male victim was discovered there with a gunshot wound to the leg. He was also transported to a local hospital for treatment. As of last check, all victims, who are local, are in stable condition and expected to be okay.

Currently, there are no known suspects in either case and authorities are asking the public to provide any information and/or evidence in the form of pictures and/or video to assist with making arrests. 

"Both of these incidents are upsetting and unacceptable and those responsible will be found and held accountable," said Chief Bry Layrisson, "The businesses and non-profits that rely on this event for year-round support do not deserve to have their progress and positivity derailed by foolishness and the families that enjoy this event should not be fearful to simply go out for an evening of fun. If you can't behave respectfully in a crowd or handle disputes maturely, don't come to our community for our events."

Information can be shared anonymously through Crime Stoppers of Tangipahoa’s tip line at 1-800-554-5245 or visit www.tangicrimestoppers.com. Pictures and videos can also be submitted through the P3 Tips app accessible via the Crimestoppers website and the TPSO app.