Have a Safe Hunting Season!

Hunting season is underway and Louisiana 4-H and the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries (and all of us) want to make sure you stay safe!

The Ten Commandments of Firearm Safety

1. Watch that muzzle! Keep it pointed in a safe direction at all times.
2. Treat every firearm with the respect due a loaded gun. It might be loaded, even if you think it isn’t.
3. Be sure of the target and what is in front of it and beyond it. Know the identifying features of the game you hunt. Make sure you have an adequate backstop—don’t shoot at a flat, hard surface or water.
4. Keep your finger outside the trigger guard until ready to shoot. This is the best way to prevent an accidental discharge.
5. Check your barrel and ammunition. Make sure the barrel and action are clear of obstructions, and carry only the proper ammunition for your firearm.
6. Unload firearms when not in use. Leave actions open; carry firearms in cases and unloaded to and from the shooting area.
7. Point a firearm only at something you intend to shoot. Avoid all horseplay with a gun.
8. Don't run, jump, or climb with a loaded firearm. Unload a firearm before you climb a fence or tree, or jump a ditch. Pull a firearm toward you by the butt, not the muzzle.
9. Store firearms and ammunition separately and safely. Store each in secured locations beyond the reach of children and careless adults.
10. Avoid alcoholic beverages before or during shooting. Also avoid mind- or behavior-altering medicines or drugs.

Albany Woman Dies in Crash on LA 43

On Tuesday, November 17, 2020, shortly after 10:00 pm, Louisiana State Police Troop L began investigating a one-vehicle fatal crash on LA 43 south of LA 16 in St. Helena Parish. The crash took the life of 32-year-old Kyndal B. Mckinney of Albany. 

The initial investigation revealed that Mckinney was traveling northbound on LA 43 in a 2006 Ford Focus when she exited the roadway impacting a culvert and a utility pole. Mckinney was unrestrained and ejected from her vehicle during the crash. She sustained fatal injuries and was pronounced deceased on the scene by the St. Helena Parish Coroner’s Office. Impairment is suspected to be a contributing factor in the crash. As part of the ongoing investigation, a blood sample was taken from Mckinney for scientific analysis. 

Louisiana State Troopers wish to remind motorists to always make good decisions while in a motor vehicle. Never drive while impaired, fatigued, or distracted, always ensure every occupant is properly restrained, and follow all traffic laws. While not all crashes are survivable, taking simple precautions such as these can often mean the difference between life and death.

Washington Parish Jail Bookings November 17, 2020

Marcus Morris was booked on the charges of Possession of Marijuana and Possession of Schedule II Drugs

Sarah Alexander was booked on the charges of Possession of Schedule IV Drugs and Possession of Drug Paraphernalia

Ynika Henry was booked on the charges of Criminal Damage to Property Under 500 and Criminal Trespass

Phillip Collins was booked on the charges of Simple Robbery and Failure to Appear (5 counts)

Alaric Manning was booked on the charges of Domestic Abuse Battery and Aggravated Assault (2 counts)

Mark Woods was booked on the charges of Contempt of Court, Failure to Pay Fine, and Failure to Appear

Obituary

John Michael "Mike" McNeal, Sr.

December 13, 1941 - November 17, 2020

Tropical Disturbances Today - No Threats to the U. S.

Iota has weakened to a tropical depression and remains no threat to the United States. The system is expected to dissipate later today. 

A broad area of low pressure could form in a day or so over the southwestern Caribbean Sea.  Any development of this system is expected to be slow to occur during the next several days while the system moves slowly west-southwestward or westward across the southwestern Caribbean Sea.  Regardless of tropical cyclone formation, areas of heavy rain are possible during the next several days from Nicaragua southward across Central America and into Colombia. Formation chance through 48 hours is at 0% and formation through 5 days is at 20%. 

A non-tropical area of low pressure could form between the Bahamas and Bermuda by early next week. The system could gradually develop subtropical characteristics through the middle of next week while it moves northeastward. Formation chance through 48 hours is at 0% and formation chance through 5 days is at 20%. 

Local Weather Forecast for the Next Few Days

For an extended forecast and more details, go to our weather page. 

(click image below for a clearer picture)

Today in History for November 18th

AP Top Stories November 18, 2020 AM

Obituary

Larry Allen

September 11, 1956 - November 11, 2020

14-Year-Old Bogalusa Girl Missing – May be in Danger

The Bogalusa Police Department is investigating the disappearance of 14-year-old Gracie Talley.  Talley was last seen near her home in the Pleasant Hill Area of Bogalusa on November 16, 2020 around 6:00 pm. 

Suspicious circumstances have led the police to believe that the juvenile may have been abducted, and could be in danger.  

If anyone sees the juvenile, or knows the whereabouts of the juvenile, please contact the Bogalusa Police Department at 985-732-3611. 

Washington Parish Jail Inmate Found With Homemade Weapon

While supervising inmates in the Washington Parish Jail today (November 17, 2020), Corrections Deputy Caleb Odell discovered a homemade weapon concealed in the sole of an inmate’s shoe. Brent Jonathon Crain (age 36) was arrested and charged with possession of contraband. The homemade weapon consisted of a piece of metal which had been sharpened on one end.

Crain has been in the Washington Parish Jail since October 19, charged with several offenses, including three counts of vehicle theft, four counts of criminal damage to property, two counts of hit and run and theft. Numerous previous arrests since 2007 were for a variety of charges including possession of illegal drugs, theft, battery, vehicle theft, theft of a firearm, issuing worthless checks and burglary.

Click here for previous related stories.

“Our corrections deputies do an amazing job supervising the most dysfunctional segment of our society,” stated Sheriff Randy Seal. “Inmates are in our jail for failure to obey the rules of society and many carry that same mindset to jail with them. Good job, Deputy Odell, for being alert and taking this dangerous weapon out of the jail. As I’ve said before, our corrections deputies are the unsung heroes of the criminal justice system. While they may not receive lots of attention, they do an awesome job protecting the citizens of Washington Parish.”

Convicted Felon Arrested for Threatening Homeowner

On Saturday (November 14, 2020), Washington Parish Sheriff’s Office Deputy Randall Garcia responded to a residence north of Franklinton after a complaint about a man in the house who had a weapon and was threatening the homeowner. Arriving at the residence, Deputy Garcia encountered twenty-three year old Alvin J. Piper, a resident of Roscoe Dillon Road.

Although Piper claimed he was a sovereign citizen and the deputy had no jurisdiction over him, Deputy Garcia placed him in handcuffs. Deputy John O’Hern arrived to assist, after which Deputy Garcia recovered a 9mm semi-automatic pistol where Piper had hidden it.

A criminal records search revealed Piper had a previous arrest and conviction in Jefferson Parish for possession of stolen items. Based on that 2018 arrest, Piper was charged with being a felon in possession of a firearm as well as aggravated assault with a firearm. He was transported to the Washington Parish Jail.

“It is never good when a deputy responds to a call and encounters a person with a weapon,” stated Sheriff Randy Seal. “It is always good when the arrest is peaceable. I’m pleased this arrest was without incident and I appreciate the good work of our officers.”

Washington Parish Man Found With Meth in His Pocket – He Goes to Jail!

Patrick Allen Brown, age 26 and a resident of Houston Thomas Road, was arrested the night of November 14, 2020 after Washington Parish Sheriff’s Office deputies Kyle Stogner and Randall Garcia stopped him on Highway 62 for driving without headlights. When the officers searched him for officer safety, they discovered a packet of methamphetamine in Brown’s pocket.

As a handcuffed Brown was being led to the patrol vehicle, he broke away and attempted to run across Highway 62. Deputies pursued and caught him, then transported him to the Washington Parish Jail. He was booked into the jail on charges of possession of methamphetamine, resisting arrest by flight on foot, driving while under suspension and driving without headlights. Bond was set at $5000.00.

Brown has four previous stays in the Washington Parish Jail. Since 2016, Brown has been charged with domestic violence, unauthorized use of a moveable, failure to appear in court, two counts of distribution of illegal drugs, two counts of possession of drug paraphernalia, possession of illegal drugs, possession of stolen property, carrying a concealed weapon and possession of illegal drugs with a weapon present. 

“It’s safe to say that Mr. Brown appears to have some lifestyle issues,” said Sheriff Randy Seal. “I’m so glad our officers encountered him and were able to remove him from behind the wheel before some tragic occurrence. Good job, Deputy Stogner and Deputy Garcia!”

Woman Reports Man Refused to Leave Her House

On Sunday (November 15, 2020), Washington Parish Sheriff’s Office deputies Norman Taylor and John O’Hern responded to a residence north of Franklinton to investigate a man who refused to leave after being ordered to do so by the homeowner. Officers discovered Marcus Lenard Kagler, age 47 and a resident of Rufus Warren Road, sitting at the kitchen table in the residence.

Kagler is well known to law enforcement in Washington Parish and a records check indicated he had outstanding warrants for two counts of failure to appear in court and failure to pay more than $8,000 for child support. He also had an outstanding warrant from the Louisiana Division of Probation and Parole. Kagler was transported to the Washington Parish Jail and booked on those charges. Bond has been set at $9348.00.

Jail records indicate that Kagler has a history of incarceration in Washington Parish beginning with a 2010 arrest for theft of a firearm and being a fugitive from another jurisdiction. The 2010 arrest was followed through the years by five others on a variety of charges, including two counts of burglary, seven counts of failure to appear in court, aggravated battery and resisting arrest by flight on foot.

“I remember when Kagler fled on foot and was pursued by our officers. He led them on quite a chase,” stated Sheriff Randy Seal. “Although this was a routine call for our officers, it led to the capture of a wanted man. Good job, Deputy Taylor and Deputy O’Hern.”

WPSO: Another Traffic Stop Produces Another Drug Arrest

While on criminal patrol in Bogalusa on Sunday (November 15, 2020), Washington Parish Sheriff’s Office Sgt. Jay Dupre observed a vehicle with an expired license plate. He stopped the vehicle and gave the driver citations for the expired license plate and driving with a suspended license.

A passenger in the vehicle identified himself as James Robinson. When the criminal records database failed to produce anyone by that name, the passenger admitted his name was Felton Jamar Robinson, age 36 and a resident of Recreation Center Road in Varnado. A records check indicated Robinson was wanted in Washington Parish for outstanding warrants. He was placed under arrest and searched, with the search revealing a quantity of illegal drugs in his pockets.

Robinson was booked into the Washington Parish Jail on charges of possession of the illegal drugs, providing a false name, two counts of domestic abuse with child endangerment, battery and contempt of court. Bond has been set at $7750.00.

“Another arrest and more drugs removed from our community by an alert officer,” stated Sheriff Randy Seal. “Good job, Sgt. Dupre!”

Obituary

Jewlene Fortenberry Jenkins

December 10, 1954 - November 09, 2020

Obituary

Claude Louis Miller

July 28, 1937 - November 09, 2020

Washington Parish Jail Bookings November 16, 2020

Felton Robinson was booked on the charges of Domestic Abuse/Child Endangerment (2 counts), Second Degree Battery, Contempt of Court, Resisting Arrest by Proving False Booking Info, Possession of Marijuana (3rd Offense), Possession of Schedule II Drugs, and Sale Distribution or Possession of Legend Drugs Without Prescription or Order

Spencer Cardwell was booked on the charge of Probation and Parole Hold

Orlanzo McGowan was booked on the charges of Bench Warrant for Failure to Appear, Reckless Operation of a Motor Vehicle, Resisting an Officer, and No Drivers License

Local Weather Forecast for the Next Few Days

For an extended forecast and more details, go to our weather page. 

(click image below for a clearer picture)

Today in History for November 17th