Mayor Calls for Calm After Bogalusa Shooting

Bogalusa Mayor Wendy Perrette praised the quick response of law enforcement and asked for the community to remain calm after an apparent drive-by shooting this morning (August 23, 2022) that resulted in the death of a 50 year-old Bogalusa woman.

According to preliminary information, the victim was an innocent bystander and not an intended target when the shots were fired in the 1400 block of Main Street.

Bogalusa Police report that several people were inside the residence at 1421 Main Street and that 50 year-old Veronique Allen was deceased when police arrived on the scene. BPD further states that detectives are following several leads and that anyone with information is asked to call the Bogalusa Police Detective Division at (985) 732-6238.

The Louisiana State Police, Washington Parish Sheriff’s Office, and federal authorities are assisting the Bogalusa Police Department.

“We have had enough violence in Bogalusa, and I call on every citizen to cooperate with police while they investigate this horrible crime,” Perrette said. “The devaluing of human life in the name of the drug trade and gang allegiances should never happen anywhere, and the people of our community are fed up.”

“Bogalusa P.D. can’t do it alone,” the Mayor said. “We need every citizen to stand up, step forward, and unite against crime. We need to seek rational, lawful means to resolve disputes, and never resort to violence. We need our faith community to stand resolutely in reminding people that we worship a God of peace – a God who calls upon all of us to play a role in stemming the tide of violence.”

Perrette remains quarantined at home after testing positive for COVID-19 on Sunday.

FLOOD WATCH IN EFFECT THROUGH WEDNESDAY EVENING

From the Washington Parish Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness

* WHAT...Flash flooding caused by excessive rainfall is possible.

* WHERE...Portions of southeast Louisiana and southern Mississippi, including the following counties and parishes, in southeast Louisiana, East Feliciana, Northern Tangipahoa, Pointe Coupee, St. Helena, Washington and West Feliciana. In southern Mississippi, Amite, Pike, Walthall and Wilkinson.

* WHEN...Through Wednesday evening.

* IMPACTS...Excessive runoff may result in flooding of rivers, creeks, streams, and other low-lying and flood-prone locations.

Obituary

Emmitt Darnell Warren

January 6, 1985 - August 18, 2022

Obituary

Mary "Lisa" Young

August 9, 1964 - August 23, 2022

Obituary

Baby Cilian Creed Cangelosi

July 11, 2022 - August 16, 2022

Obituary

Evelyn Burneva Delancey Ellzey

July 22, 1922 - August 21, 2022

Tropical Disturbances Today

Disturbance 1. In the central tropical Atlantic, a tropical wave is located several hundred miles west of the Cabo Verde Islands. Development, if any, of this system is expected to be slow to occur during the next several days while the system moves westward to west-northwestward at 10 to 15 mph across the tropical Atlantic. Formation chance through 48 hours us near 0% and formation chance through 5 days is at 10%. 

Disturbance 2. In the eastern tropical Atlantic, a tropical wave is forecast to move off the west coast of Africa in a couple of days.  Environmental  conditions could support some slow development of this system late this week or over the weekend while it moves westward at 10 to 15 mph. Formation chance through 48 hours is near 0% and formation chance through 5 days is at 20%. 

Local 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)

WPSO Corrections Katie Dillon Deputy Honored

On August 18, 2022, Washington Parish Sheriff’s Office Corrections Deputy Katie Dillon was recognized by the National Institute for Jail Operations (NIJO) as Corrections Officer of the Year for the Southern region of the United States. At the JAILCON Southern Regional Training Conference held in Huntsville, Alabama, Dillon was honored and presented a plaque by Tate McCotter, Executive Director of NIJO.

In presenting the award to Dillon, McCotter stated, “Katie Dillon has been employed as a corrections officer with the Washington Parish, Louisiana, Sheriff’s Office since October 2017. She is a ‘no nonsense’ and ‘by the book’ officer who has the respect and trust of her fellow officers. She demonstrates integrity in all aspects of her job and is a positive influence for inmates. Katie currently serves as Shift Commander.”

McCotter quoted a Washington Parish inmate who stated, “If you don’t want to hear the truth, don’t ask her a question. Whatever you do, don’t lie to her. She has a way of making a Marine drill sergeant look like a paper doll. She can cut you to ribbons without putting a hand on you or raising her voice. She is a good lady and a good officer.”

A fellow corrections officer expressed the sentiment of the jail staff. “When Katie speaks, everybody listens. She runs this place and is quick to straighten us out if we are not doing the right thing.”

Sheriff Randy Seal commented on Dillon’s recognition by NIJO. “I can think of no person more deserving of this award than Katie Dillon. She is a hard-working and skilled officer who faithfully serves the Sheriff’s Office and all citizens of Washington Parish. It is an honor and privilege to have her as a valued member of our corrections team.”

Obituary

Jackie "Jack" Floyd McAlister

June 28, 1961 - August 19, 2022

Washington Parish Jail Bookings for August 21, 2022

Kevin Blackwell (age 42 with Bush, La. address) was booked on the charges of Contempt of Court (3 counts) by the Washington Parish Sheriff's Office. No bond set at this time.

Ronald Cotton (age 33 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.

Carl Smith (age 68 with Bogalusa, La. address) was booked on the charges of Distribution of Schedule 1 CDS, Vehicular Homicide, Possession With Intent to Distribute Schedule 1 Drugs (2 counts), Possession With Intent to Distribute Schedule III Drugs (2 counts), Convicted Felon in Possession of Firearm, Possession of CDS With Weapon Present, and Transactions Involving Proceeds from Drug Offenses by the Bogalusa Police Department. No bond set at this time.

Percy Smith (age 44 with Bogalusa, La. address) was booked on the charges of Aggravated Flight from an Officer, Possession of Schedule III Drugs, Failure to Use Turn Signal (2 counts), Ran Stop Sign, No Seat Belt, Careless Operation, Improper Lane Usage, Impeding Flow of Traffic, Driving Under Suspension, and Speeding 1-10 Over Limit by the Bogalusa Police Department. No bond set at this time.

Brandon Parker (age 29 with Picayune, Ms. address) was booked on the charges of Improper Lane Usage, Driving Under Suspension, Possession of Heroin, and Possession of Drug Paraphernalia by the Bogalusa Police Department. No bond set at this time.

Curtis Gatlin (age 48 with Bogalusa, La. address) was booked on the charge of Domestic Abuse Battery by the Bogalusa Police Department. No bond set at this time.

Louis Tate (age 32 with Mt. Hermon, La. address) was booked on the charges of Simple Battery, Criminal Trespass, Unauthorized Use of a Motor Vehicle, and Contempt of Court by the Washington Parish Sheriff's Office. Bond set at $9000.00.

Tropical Disturbances Today

In the eastern tropical Atlantic, a tropical wave is located a few hundred miles west of the Cabo Verde Islands. Environmental conditions could support some slow development of this system while it moves westward to west-northwestward at around 10 to 15 mph across the tropical Atlantic during the next several days. Formation chance through 48 hours is near 0% and formation chance through 5 days is at 20%. 

Local 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's Message from ADAPT

Learn more and "Like" ADAPT's Facebook page and visit their website. 

ADAPT, INC. is a nonprofit organization whose goals are 

1. To prevent child abuse and neglect before it happens by delivering research based prevention programs.
2. To provide child abuse prevention and direct services to victims which includes a variety of programs and services.
3. To provide sexual assault prevention and direct services to assault victims which includes: operating a 24/7 crisis hotline; providing hospital and law enforcement victim advocates 24/7; providing sexual assault information, prevention education, professional training, awareness campaigns, inter-agency collaboration, and victim support and counseling.
4. To provide prevention and educational services targeting substance abuse.

Covington Police Make Arrest After Vehicle Pursuit and Crash – 4 Agencies Involved

On Saturday (August 20, 2022) at approximately 1:20 PM, a Covington Police Department Officer initiated a traffic stop on a 2016 Ford Pickup Truck for an illegal U-Turn. After the officer initiated his blue police lights, the driver of the vehicle refused to pull over leading the officer in pursuit traveling westbound on US Highway 190. 

During the pursuit, the Ford pickup switched lanes multiple times causing other motorists to leave the roadway for their safety. The pursuit then reached the intersection of Louisiana State Highway 1077 and Railroad Avenue, where the passenger of the Ford pickup was able to exit the vehicle. Backup officers quickly detained the passenger while other officers continued the pursuit. 

After the passenger exited the Ford pickup, the vehicle turned southbound on LA 1077, where he continued to attempt to evade officers. Officers observed the vehicle driving erratically, causing other motorists to exit the roadway. Officers also observed the driver throwing items out of the window of his truck. 

The pursuit ended near the intersection of LA Highway 22 and LA Highway 1085 when the Ford pickup crashed, after striking a Covington Police Department Unit and striking another motorist's vehicle.

The driver of the Ford pickup was quickly arrested and identified as 29 year-old Jeremy March. He was ultimately charged with Aggravated Flight from an Officer, Aggravated Obstruction of a Highway, Theft of a Motor Vehicle, Reckless Operation, Felon in Possession of a Firearm, Improper Lane Usage, and Introduction of Contraband into Penal Facility.

Officers were also able to recover the object thrown during the pursuit and discovered that it was a firearm. Officers also learned that the Ford pickup truck was reported as a stolen vehicle.  

The Covington Police Department would like to thank the Louisiana State Police, St. Tammany Parish Sheriff’s Office, and the Madisonville Police Department for their assistance in this pursuit.

Washington Parish Jail Bookings for August 20, 2022

Chad Thomas (age 52 with Sun, La. address) was booked on the charges of Possession of Schedule II Drugs and Possession of Drug Paraphernalia by the Washington Parish Sheriff's Office. Bond set at $5000.00.

Jennifer Fussell (age 41 with Franklinton, La. address) was booked on the charge of Unauthorized Use of a Motor Vehicle by the Washington Parish Sheriff's Office. Released on $5000.00 bond.

Phillip Jordan (age 36 with Franklinton, La. address) was booked on the charges of Failure to Appear, Hit and Run, and Driving Under Suspension by the Washington Parish Sheriff's Office. Released on $2784.00 bond.

Steven Landers (age 42 with Kentwood, La. address) was booked on the charge of Contempt of Court by the Washington Parish Sheriff's Office. Bond set at $10000.00.

Clinton Roux (age 20 with Mt. Hermon, La. address) was booked on the charges of Possession of CDS With Weapon Present, Possession of Schedule 1 Drugs/Tetrahydrocannabinols or Synthetic Cannabinoids, and Speeding 11-20 Over Limit by the Washington Parish Sheriff's Office. Released on $3500.00 bond.

Local Author M. Scott Smallwood at Your Local Library

Washington Parish Library Director Sonnet Ireland announces that Washington Parish author M. Scott Smallwood is celebrating the publication of his latest book, The Thrilling Adventures of the Secluded Man, with book signings at all four of the Washington Parish Library branches.

Described as an adventure/fantasy with plenty of plot twists, The Thrilling Adventures of the Secluded Man has themes of time travel, reality itself, and a race against time. The new book is published through Larger Than Life Books, an imprint that Smallwood also owns. “I am excited to finally release the first book in my adventure series,” said Smallwood.

Mr. Smallwood will be talking about his new book and signing copies at the following times. More information about his new release can be found at largerthanlifebooks.com. Copies of his book will be available for purchase at the signing.

• Franklinton Branch on August 22nd, 3pm-5pm
• Bogalusa Branch on September 1st, 1pm-3pm
• Enon Branch on September 15th, 3pm-5pm
• Thomas Branch on September 22nd, 3pm-5pm

Obituary

Melissa Christina Haik

May 4, 1982 - August 20, 2022

Obituary

Wyatt Scott Helton

April 7, 2005 - August 19, 2022

Tropical Disturbances Today

A tropical wave in the eastern tropical Atlantic near the Cabo Verde Islands is expected to gradually develop while it moves westward to west-northwestward at 15 to 20 mph across the eastern and central tropical Atlantic during the early to middle part of this week. Formation chance through 48 hours is near 0% and formation chance through 5 days is at 20%.