Six Arrested in Strawberry Festival Shootings

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On Thursday (April 17, 2025), Ponchatoula Police Department detectives obtained arrest warrants for (6) male suspects, along with (5) residential search warrants for the suspect’s homes, in relation to the April 12 2025 shootings during the Ponchatoula Strawberry Festival.

On Friday (April 18, 2025), with assistance from the Livingston Parish Sheriff’s Office, the Hammond Police Department SWAT team, the Tangipahoa Parish Sheriff’s Office Special Response Team, the Louisiana Probation and Parole Tac Team, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF) K9 division, the (5) residential search warrants were executed simultaneously. Search warrants were executed at residences on Haney Lane and Camp Street in Ponchatoula, and Puma Drive, Clear Lake Drive, and Easy Street in Hammond. The following arrests were made:

• Camryn Finley (age 18 and of Hammond) for Attempted Second Degree Murder and Terrorizing
• Dealvin Davis (age 18 and of Ponchatoula) for Principal to Attempted Second Degree Murder and Terrorizing
• Courtney McGee (age 18 and of Ponchatoula) for Terrorizing and Principal to Attempted Second Degree Murder
• Markus Dokes (age 19 and of Ponchatoula) for Terrorizing and Attempted Second Degree Murder
• Quentrel Smith (age 18 and of Ponchatoula) for Terrorizing 
• Quenton Smith, Jr. (age 20 and of Ponchatoula) for Terrorizing, Possession of Schedule 1 Narcotics, Possession With Intent to Distribute Schedule 1 Narcotics, Possession of Firearm While in Possession of a Controlled Dangerous Substance, Possession of Legend Drug, and Handling of Machine Guns Unlawful

The felony terrorizing charges relate to the suspects’ physical altercation and subsequent shootings causing a serious disruption to the general public. 

Chief Layrisson would like to thank all agencies involved throughout this investigation. 

This investigation is ongoing.

**All suspects are presumed innocent until proven guilty**

Joshua Brocato, Suspect in Murder of Parents, Returned to Tangipahoa Parish

Joshua Brocato, age 34, was transported back to Tangipahoa Parish on Thursday (April 17, 2025) and arrived overnight. Joshua Brocato is the suspect in the double murder of his parents, Marc and Priscilla (Diane) on April 3, 2025.  Joshua Brocato had been arrested in California on April 4, 2025, a day after the couple was found shot to death at their Amite-area home.  

Joshua Brocato has been booked into the Tangipahoa Parish Jail on the charges of 2 counts of 1st Degree Murder, Manufacturing/Cultivating Marijuana, Manufacture/Distribute/Possession of Hallucinogenic Plants, and Possession of Weapons while in Possession of CDS

Tangipahoa Parish Sheriff's Office reports that Brocato has been interviewed by detectives and is cooperating with the investigation. 

Click here for previous related stories

Today's Headlines from NPR News

LSU AgCenter's Weekly Message

Taking Care of Bermudagrass Lawns

In the past, I’ve written articles about how to care for centipedegrass and St. Augustinegrass lawns. These are probably the most common turfgrasses in Louisiana yards. Occasionally, I do get inquiries about other turfgrasses, so I thought I would write about the other two biggies, bermudagrass and zoysiagrass. I’m addressing bermudagrass this week.

Bermudagrass may be more common on sports fields, golf courses, and pastures than in home lawns. It’s highly tolerant of wear (foot traffic, etc.) and more drought-tolerant than centipedegrass or St. Augustinegrass. A significant advantage for people who need to cover large areas is that common bermudagrass and some named varieties can be seeded, making it less expensive to establish than turfgrasses that need to be sodded, plugged, or sprigged.

Probably the biggest downside of bermudagrass, for some situations, is that it’s the least shade-tolerant of the common turfgrasses and needs full sun for optimal growth.

Bermudagrass also requires a good deal of maintenance. As you may be aware, this grass can be a weed where it isn’t wanted, so it may surprise you that more nitrogen fertilizer is recommended for it – especially for hybrid cultivars – than for other warm-season turfgrasses. It also grows quickly and needs to be mowed frequently.

A soil pH between pH 5.8 and 7.2 is recommended for bermudagrass. In some places, lime will be needed to achieve this. You can get a soil test to find out if lime is needed.

Fertilizer can be applied to common bermudagrass at the rate of 1 pound of actual nitrogen (N) per 1000 square feet in April, June, and August. If more growth is desired, another application can be made in July. If you have hybrid bermudagrass, it’s recommended that 1 pound of N be applied in May, too, and an optional 0.5 pound N application can be made in early September.

If slow-release fertilizer is used, some applications can be combined. For example, instead of applying 1 pound N in both April and May to hybrid bermudagrass, you can apply 2 pounds N in April.

Some examples of fertilizers and amounts of them that provide 1 pound N include the following: 3.1 pounds 32-0-10 (32% nitrogen, 0% phosphate, and 10% potash), 6.3 pounds 16-0-8, 6.7 pounds 15-0-15, 7.7 pounds 13-13-13, 10 pounds 10-10-10, 12.5 pounds 8-8-8, and 3 pounds 33-0-0.

The best choice will depend largely on what amounts of nutrients (other than nitrogen) your lawn needs. A soil test report provides this information.

Mowing height recommendations for bermudagrass range from 0.75 to 2 inches. It’s best to mow often enough that you don’t have to remove more than one-third of the total height of the grass when you mow. For example, if you mow at a height of 1 inch, try not to let the grass get taller than 1.5 inches. (I acknowledge that this is a “do as I say, not I as I do” situation.)

Sometimes, soil gets compacted and needs aerification. If you try to stick a knife into the soil when it is neither very wet nor very dry and the blade doesn’t go into the ground easily, the lawn may need to be aerated. Late spring and early summer are generally good times to do this.

Let me know if you have questions.

Click here for previous LSU AgCenter's Weekly Messages

Dr. Mary Helen Ferguson is an Extension Agent with the LSU AgCenter, with horticulture responsibilities in Washington and Tangipahoa Parishes. Contact Mary Helen at mhferguson@agcenter.lsu.edu or 985-277-1850 (Hammond) or 985-839-7855 (Franklinton).

Obituary

Nealy Jean Jordan Sullivan

September 1, 1957 - April 15, 2025

Obituary

Dorothy “Dottie” Stevens Cranham

May 28, 1940 - April 16, 2025

Local Forecast for the Next Few Days

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

Today   Mostly sunny, with a high near 86. South wind 5 to 15 mph.

Tonight   Increasing clouds, with a low around 66. South wind 5 to 10 mph, with gusts as high as 20 mph.

Saturday   Mostly cloudy, with a high near 85. Southeast wind 5 to 15 mph.

Saturday Night   Mostly cloudy, with a low around 66. Southeast wind 5 to 10 mph.

Sunday   Mostly cloudy, with a high near 84. South wind 5 to 15 mph.

Sunday Night   A 20 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms after 1am. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 66. Southeast wind 5 to 10 mph, with gusts as high as 20 mph.

10th Annual Bogalusa District "A" Easter Egg Giveaway

Reward Offered: Missing Man Last Seen in Angie

Six months ago, the Washington Parish Sheriff's Office made a series of posts asking for the public’s help in locating Carl Logan, Jr.

After responding to an abandoned vehicle in the area of Singley Rd. in Angie on October 23, 2024, investigators with WPSO discovered that it belonged to the immediate family of Logan and had been borrowed by him to travel to Louisiana. Logan’s family members report that they have not heard from him since October 22, 2024.

Logan was last seen on the morning of October 26, 2025 leaving Stuart’s Café in Angie on foot. Sadly, Mr. Logan is still missing. His family is now offering a $2,000 cash reward for information that leads to Logan being located. 

If you have any information about the whereabouts of Carl Logan, Jr., or have seen him or spoken to him since October 26 of last year, please contact Captain Terry Harris with the Washington Parish Sheriff’s Office at 985-205-5637.

Firearms Safety Taught at Enon Elementary

On Wednesday (April 16, 2025), Lieutenant Geoff Crowe of the Washington Parish Sheriff’s Office
visited Enon Elementary School to teach firearms handling and safety to over 100 students. The presentation was part of Progressive Agriculture Safety Day, which included other short classes including ATV safety, common poisons, 911 procedures, and much more.

According to the National Institute of Health, approximately 5,000 juveniles are injured or killed by firearms each year. Classes like the one taught by Lt. Crowe aim to curb these numbers by teaching children the dangers of unsafe firearms storage, handling, and use.

Thanks to the students and staff at Enon Elementary for this fun-filled and educational day, and we look forward to seeing you next year.

Sheriff Jason Smith Speaks to Northshore Business Council

On Wednesday, April 16, Sheriff Smith attended the Northshore Business Council Luncheon along with a small group of representatives from Washington Parish, including Parish President Ryan Seal, several members of the Parish Council, and two Chiefs from the Sheriff’s Office.

The Northshore Business Council Luncheon brings together local business owners and government officials to share information and collaborate on positive economic growth in the Tri-Parish area. Attendees included St. Tammany Parish President Mike Cooper, St. Tammany Parish Sheriff Randy Smith, and Major Alex Richardson of the Tangipahoa Parish Sheriff’s Office.

Speaking to the group of about 45 members, Sheriff Smith said, “Washington Parish is going through a transformation right now. In the past, the status quo was Politics over Professionalism, but we’re working on changing that as we grow along with our neighbors to the South and West.”

“We have all the same problems as they do in St. Tammany and Tangipahoa as far as substance abuse and crime, and we’re starting to deal with these problems with an eye toward the future so that the conditions are set for healthy and sustainable growth. Everyone in Washington Parish can feel the changes happening around them, people and businesses moving in, and providing safety and peace for the community is a big piece to that puzzle.”

When asked about the Sheriff’s Office’s involvement in Bogalusa, Sheriff Smith said, “I think Bogalusa is suffering from the same problems as a lot of other industrial Midwest towns whose footprint has gotten smaller in the last few generations. Moving forward, we’re doing what we can to include Bogalusa in the growth that the rest of the Parish is experiencing and working closely with the Bogalusa Police Department to provide safety for the people who live there.”

Sheriff Smith also provided updates on the new 911 Dispatch Center in Sheridan, set to be fully operational by the end of the month, and on the status of his plans to construct a much-needed new Washington Parish Jail facility.

Angie Man Arrested for Sex Crimes More Than Decade Later

On Sunday, April 13, 2025, 39 year-old Preston James Downs of Angie, LA was arrested on four counts of 1st-degree rape/vaginal, two counts of sexual battery-victim under 13 years old, two counts of crimes against nature-aggravated incest, two counts of indecent behavior with Juvenile(s), and one count of trafficking of children for sexual purposes.

Just after 2:00 PM on Sunday, Washington Parish Deputy Sheriffs were dispatched to a residence in Angie, LA in reference to sexual crimes that had allegedly occurred more than a decade before. At the scene, deputies received statements from two female victims, now 23 and 26 years old, that they had been sexually assaulted by Downs on several occasions when they were children.

During the initial contact, Downs acknowledged knowing why deputies were there to arrest him, and subsequently gave voluntary statements to investigators referencing the aforementioned crimes. According to the victims and family members, it is possible that other victims were assaulted by Downs during the same time frame.

Downs is currently being held on a $750,000 bond at the Washington Parish Jail pending trial.

***All persons are innocent until proven guilty***

Finance Director - Job Opportunity

From: Washington Parish Government, 909 Pearl St., Franklinton, LA 70438

Position: Director of Finance/Personnel: Full-time position offering a competitive salary, including a complete benefit package.

Overview:

The Director of Finance provides oversight and guidance to the Administrative Finance Department for the Washington Parish Government. The Director ensures proper administration of all financial functions, oversees the disbursement and receipt of parish funds according to applicable state statutes and parish policies and procedures, and prepares financial reports in accordance with generally accepted governmental accounting principles. The Director develops and maintains proper internal controls for all accounting systems within the parish government.

Responsibilities:

• Supervises the Administrative Finance and Personnel departments.
• Aids the Parish President in preparation of the annual operating and capital outlay budget.
• Exercises oversight in coordinating the administration of the annual budget.
• Receives and disburses parish funds according to law and applicable restrictions.
• Prepares a monthly statement of revenues and expenditures available for public inspection within 30 days of month end.
• Oversees procurement of all personal property, materials, supplies and services required by the Parish Government, utilizing a centralized accounting system.
• Reviews and oversees administrative activities including intergovernmental grants, inventory of real and personal property, risk management, technology hardware and software applications, and acts as a liaison with sub agencies and component units of the parish.
• Invests idle parish funds, as permitted by law.
• Performs general administrative services as directed by the Parish President.

Requirements: The Director of Finance, at the time of appointment, shall have at least a bachelor’s degree in business administration, accounting, public administration or a related field from an accredited college or university, and at least two (2) years’ experience in a responsible managerial or administrative fiscal position or, in lieu of the preceding, have at least five (5) years’ experience in a responsible managerial or administrative fiscal position. A Certified Public Accountant (CPA) license is preferred.

Interested candidates may obtain further information by contacting Human Resources at 985-335-1304. Resumes and two (2) professional letters of reference may be emailed to Patrick J. Galivan at pgalivan@wpgov.org or delivered to 909 Pearl Street Franklinton, LA 70438, until May 05, 2025, at 2:00 p.m.

Washington Parish Government provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local laws.

Highlights of Bogalusa District A 11th Annual Clean Up Day

Submitted by Councilwoman Kates

I would like to share that our 11th Annual District A Clean Up Days, in conjunction with Keep Louisiana  Beautiful - Love the Boot week April 05-13, was on on Friday, April 11 and Saturday, April 12 and was a success. A special thank you to our participates: Larry Brown, Tim Burris , Gabrielle A. Hopkins, Kaiden C. Hopkins, Gloria Kates, Thomas Kates, Andrew Laurent, Karyn Magee, Edward Magee,, Jerry, Patrick Rhodes, Stephanie Yarbrough. The City Of Bogalusa public works concentrated on work orders submitted and fulfilling ditch cleaning tasks. As a result, along with WCI, on Saturday (the 12th) the Washington Parish Sheriff Office Keep Washington  Parish Clean: Love the boot  (Chad Cassard & team) concentrated on the Joseph Bailey playground/park, replacing swings,  two new park benches,  clearing debris from the sidewalks, new side fence post,  and sponsored  power washing of the playground slides and Playhouse. 

There was a concentration in District A in the areas of high litter around Ann St., Austin St, Bayer St, Carolina St., Church St., City Limit, College St., Convenience St., Dauphine St., Davis St., North Border Dr., North Royal St., Poplas St, Redmond St, Seal St., Lexington, public housing areas,  just to name a few of the many areas visited.

Many residents adopted a block and adopted their own property to clean up. Reportedly, Terrence May and Joel Miller, Jr. started early on in volunteering  to clean up their property in the Poplas Area. 

A special thanks again to Coastal Management for dumpsters.  (Trash was full  on Redmond and Poplas and Austin and Bayer Streets dumpsters (30 ft roll-off dumpsters), the dumpsters was  available throughout Monday.

The event was from 08:30 to Noon with lunch following. All are appreciated for this much needed and on going task

Suspect Sought in Rash of Tangipahoa Parish Vehicle Burglaries

The Tangipahoa Parish Sheriff’s Office (TPSO) needs the public’s help identifying and locating the suspect in a vehicle burglary investigation. On March 29, 2025, multiple vehicles were broken into in the Jesse Bickford Road area of Tickfaw. Various items were stolen including at least one gun.  Surveillance video captured the suspect, believed to be a white male standing 6’0” tall and weighing around 250 lbs., committing the crimes. 

This suspect is also believed to be connected to at least 20 other vehicle burglaries in the Tickfaw and Natalbany areas.

Sheriff Gerald Sticker encourages anyone with information about who this suspect is, or his whereabouts, to contact the Criminal Investigations Office at 985-402-0214.

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! You may be eligible for a cash reward.

Today's Headlines from NPR News

Washington Parish Jail Bookings for April 16, 2025

Ralph Tate (age 51 with Angie, La. 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.

Glen Jenkins (age 38 with Bogalusa, La. address) was booked on the charges of Protective Order Violation/Possessing or Carrying a Firearm and Stalking by the Bogalusa Police Department. No bond set at this time.

John Weakland (age 39 with Franklinton, La. address) was booked on the charge of Domestic Abuse Battery by the Franklinton Police Department. No bond set at this time.

Artie Terrell (age 64 with Franklinton, La. address) was booked on the charges of No Turn Signals, Possession of Marijuana, Possession of Schedule II Drugs, Possession of CDS With Weapon Present, Possession of Drug Paraphernalia, and Non-Sufficient Check by the Franklinton Police Department. No bond set at this time.

***All persons are innocent until proven guilty***

Local Forecast for the Next Few Days

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

Today   Sunny, with a high near 83. Light southeast wind becoming south 5 to 10 mph in the morning. Winds could gust as high as 20 mph.

Tonight   Increasing clouds, with a low around 61. South wind 5 to 10 mph.

Friday   Mostly cloudy, then gradually becoming sunny, with a high near 87. South wind 5 to 15 mph.

Friday Night   Increasing clouds, with a low around 66. Southeast wind 5 to 10 mph, with gusts as high as 20 mph.

Saturday   Mostly cloudy, with a high near 84. Southeast wind 5 to 15 mph.

Saturday Night   Mostly cloudy, with a low around 67. Southeast wind 5 to 10 mph.

Obituary

Chad David Monroe Easley

December 9, 1978 - April 15, 2025

Three Arrested in Roseland Shooting with One Dead, One Injured

On behalf of the Roseland Police Department, the Tangipahoa Parish Sheriff’s Office (TPSO) has arrested three people in connection with a shooting that claimed one life and injured another. Arrested were Keydrann Tate, 21 of Independence, Javion Kidd, 19 of Fluker, and a 16-year-old boy from Independence have been charged with 1st Degree Murder, Attempted 1st Degree Murder and Armed Robbery.

Tate is pictured left, Kidd is pictured right, the 16-year-old is not pictured

Just after midnight on Wednesday (April 16, 2025), a 911 call reported a shooting in the 63000 block of Commercial Street inside the town limits of Roseland. When Roseland Police arrived, they found two males shot. An 18-year-old male died on scene while a 17-year-old male was taken to an area hospital where he was treated and released. The deceased victim’s identity is being held pending family notification.

Roseland Police requested TPSO take the lead on the investigation which led detectives to identifying the three suspects and then attempts to locate them began. Tate turned himself in to authorities while the other two were located as they were arriving at school before classes began. They were taken into custody without incident.

At this time, detectives believe this incident stemmed from a firearm transaction among this group.

While no additional suspects are anticipated, this joint investigation remains ongoing.

***All persons are presumed innocent until proven guilty***

Ponchatoula Man Indicted For Lacombe Murder

District Attorney Collin Sims reports that on April 16, 2025, a St. Tammany Parish grand jury indicted 20-year-old Osmer Noel Villalta-Lopez for second degree murder and obstruction of justice relating to the fatal shooting of 24-year-old Yelson Hernan Banegas-Garcia on December 28, 2024, in Lacombe. 

Detective Katie Darby with the St. Tammany Parish Sheriff’s Office headed the investigation. Assistant District Attorney Ronnie Gracianette presented the case to the grand jury.

Click here for the previous related story

Kentwood Man Killed in Tangipahoa Parish Crash

Shortly before 10:00 p.m. on April 15, 2025, Troopers with Louisiana State Police Troop L began investigating a single-vehicle crash on LA 10, just west of LA 1054 in Tangipahoa Parish. The crash claimed the life of 46-year-old Chad Easley of Kentwood.

The preliminary investigation revealed that a 1999 Dodge Ram, driven by Easley, was traveling eastbound on LA 10. For reasons still under investigation, the Ram traveled off of the roadway to the right and impacted a tree.

Easley was properly restrained, suffered fatal injuries, and was pronounced deceased on the scene. Impairment is not suspected, but a standard toxicology sample was obtained and will be submitted for analysis. This crash remains under investigation.

Troopers urge all motorists to drive responsibly by avoiding impairment, fatigue, and distractions, obeying traffic laws, and ensuring everyone is properly restrained. While not all crashes are preventable, simple precautions like these can save lives.

Washington Parish Jail Bookings for April 15, 2025

Eric Causey (age 40 with Franklinton, La. address) was booked on the charge of Probation Violation by
Probation and Parole. No bond set at this time.

Alica Mixon (age 52 with Bogalusa, La. address) was booked In From Court and on the charge of Failure to Appear by the Washington Parish Sheriff's Office. No bond set at this time.

Evan Nelson (age 28 with Bogalusa, La. address) was booked on the chage of Probation Violation by Probation and Parole. No bond set at this time.

Shelton Luneau (age 25 with Mt. Hermon, La. address) was booked on the charges of Improper Lane Usage, Prohibited Acts/Schedule II, Possession of Marijuana, Possession of Drug Paraphernalia, and Possession of CDS With Weapon Present by the Franklinton Police Department. Bond set at $1250.00.

***All persons are innocent until proven guilty***

Obituary

Wanda Louise Adams

July 23, 1948 - April 14, 2025

Today's Headlines from NPR News

Local Forecast for the Next Few Days

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

Today   Sunny, with a high near 79. Northeast wind around 5 mph becoming south in the afternoon.

Tonight   Clear, with a low around 53. Calm wind.

Thursday   Sunny, with a high near 82. Light southeast wind becoming south 10 to 15 mph in the morning.

Thursday Night   Partly cloudy, with a low around 61. South wind 5 to 10 mph, with gusts as high as 20 mph.

Friday   Mostly sunny, with a high near 86. South wind 5 to 15 mph.

Friday Night   Mostly cloudy, with a low around 67. South wind 5 to 10 mph, with gusts as high as 20 mph.

Obituary

Tommy Dale Smith

February 2, 1948 - April 14, 2025

Obituary

Jerry Dean Marshall Franklin

July 10, 1943 - April 7, 2025

Obituary

Joseph F. Hernandez, Jr.

November 18, 1930 - April 14, 2025

Obituary

Vincent Dewitt "Monkey" Bennett

October 27, 1952 - April 14, 2025

Slidell Police Investigating Fatal Crash

The Slidell Police Department is investigating a fatal traffic crash that occurred Sunday (April 13, 2025) afternoon. 

Preliminary findings indicate that a 2025 Honda CR-V was traveling on Weilwood Drive and attempted to make a left turn (westbound) onto West Hall Avenue. At the same time, a 2024 Can-Am Spyder was traveling eastbound on West Hall Avenue. The two vehicles collided in the intersection.

The driver of the Can-Am, identified as 35-year-old Akeem Holden (Slidell, LA), was ejected from the vehicle and sustained fatal injuries. 

Toxicology samples were collected as part of standard investigative procedures. At this time, impairment is not suspected to have been a contributing factor in the crash.

The Slidell Police Department’s Traffic Fatality Team is continuing to investigate the incident and process evidence from the crash.

Help ID Suspect Who Stole a Wallet from 91-Year-Old in Mandeville

The Mandeville Police Department is asking for your assistance in identifying a suspect who brazenly stole a wallet from inside a purse belonging to a 91-year-old victim while the victim was shopping at Rouses Supermarket. 

If anyone has any further information on the suspect's identity after viewing these images, please contact MPD Criminal Investigations Division at 985-624-3119.

Theft Suspect Takes Dip in Lake Pontchartrain

From the St. Tammany Parish Sheriff's Office

Keith took a dip in Lake Pontchartrain and left with a free ride to jail and a fresh set of pink hospital scrubs. Choices were made. None of them good…. Here goes...

Monday (April 14, 2025) morning, Keith Hebert of Arabi had a bright idea☠️🫠...drive into St. Tammany, steal someone’s Yukon right out of their driveway on North Summerfield Loop near Slidell, and try to peace out before breakfast. Problem is… Keith forgot one thing: this is St. Tammany. And we don’t play that.

Thanks to a quick thinking resident who saw him take off in her 2018 Yukon and called us immediately, our 1st District Patrol deputies spotted the stolen ride near Oak Harbor and I-10. Using a built in vehicle safety feature (shoutout to technology👏), we remotely shut that bad boy down on the Twin Spans.

That’s when Keith went full on 𝙃𝙤𝙡𝙡𝙮𝙬𝙤𝙤𝙙🎬 and jumped off the bridge into Lake Pontchartrain. (Because when in doubt… swan dive?)

Unfortunately for him, our Marine Division was already en route and scooped him up. After a pit stop at a local hospital to make sure he didn’t drown in his own bad decisions, he was released straight back into our custody…soaking wet, freshly humiliated, and headed for the St. Tammany Parish Correctional Center.

✅ He racked up a fun little list of charges to go along with his failed aquatic escape:

 • Theft of a Motor Vehicle (over $25,000) – because that Yukon wasn’t a free souvenir

 • Aggravated Flight from an Officer – sprinting and swimming won’t save you

 • Aggravated Obstruction of a Highway – shutting down the Twin Spans for your antics

 • Resisting an Officer – flopping into a lake counts

 • No Driver’s License – because of course

Sheriff Randy Smith said it best: “Do not come to St. Tammany thinking you are going to commit a crime and get away with it. You will be arrested.”

Wet and wildly unsuccessful. Maybe stick to dry land next time...Keith🙄. 

Obituary

Kim Lyndell Myers

September 7, 1963 - April 13, 2025

Today's Headlines from NPR News

Washington Parish Jail Bookings for April 14, 2025

Wesley Penton (age 42 with Bogalusa, La. address) was booked on the charges of Probation and Parole
Hold and Contempt of Court by the Bogalusa Police Department. Bond set at $379.50.

Chance Turner (age 21 with Bogalusa, La. address) was booked on the charges of Domestic Abuse Battery/Strangulation, Domestic Abuse/Child Endangerment, and Domestic Abuse Battery by the Bogalusa Police Department. No bond set at this time.

Yasmmen Thomas (age 34 with Bogalusa, La. address) was booked on the charges of Possession of Schedule II Drugs and Resisting an Officer by the Bogalusa Police Department. No bond set at this time.

Mark Slappey (age 54 with Detroit, Mi. address) was booked on the charge of Fugitive Other Jurisdiction by the Bogalusa Police Department. No bond set at this time.

Kashaw Brown (age 18 with Bogalusa, La. address) was booked on the charges of Domestic Abuse/Child Endangerment and Domestic Abuse Battery by the Bogalusa Police Department. No bond set at this time.

Stephanie Johnson (age 39 with Franklinton, La. address) was booked on the charge of Driving While Intoxicated by the Franklinton Police Department. Bond set at $2500.00.

***All persons are innocent until proven guilty***

Washington Parish Youth Coalition Celebrates a Decade of Prevention and Purpose

The Washington Parish Youth Coalition marked a significant milestone this past Saturday, celebrating 10 years of dedicated prevention work with an inspiring and festive event at the Franklinton High School Gymnasium. Over 100 attendees gathered to commemorate the coalition’s decade-long commitment to empowering youth and promoting a drug- and alcohol-free lifestyle.

The celebration was a vibrant mix of fun and purpose, featuring games, entertainment, and delicious food alongside impactful messages of prevention and resilience. The highlight of the day came from keynote speaker Jake White, founder of Vive 18 in Arizona, who energized the crowd with his powerful message. White encouraged students to “stand up and stand out” in their fight against substance abuse, calling on youth to be leaders in their schools and communities.

Adding to the spirit of encouragement and civic responsibility, Washington Parish Sheriff Jason Smith and Louisiana State Senator Beth Mizell addressed the students, applauding their efforts and challenging them to continue being a force for positive change throughout the parish.

ADAPT, Inc., the organization behind the Washington Parish Youth Coalition, expressed heartfelt gratitude to everyone who contributed to making the day memorable. Visit and like  ADAPT'S Facebook page

As the coalition embarks on its next chapter, the message is clear: prevention, empowerment, and unity will continue to light the path forward for the youth of Washington Parish.

Obituary

Robert Spencer Wilson

August 28, 1959 - April 4, 2025

Pearl River Man Convicted of Sexual Assault 11 Year-Old Girl

District Attorney Collin Sims reports that on April 10, 2025, a St. Tammany Parish jury found 35-year-old Ryan Pellegrin of Pearl River guilty of attempted aggravated crime against nature involving a child under the age of thirteen.  Assistant District Attorneys Taylor Nicholson and Iain Dover presented the case to the jury.  Judge Scott Gardner presided over the four-day trial.  Lieutenant Jayson Germann with the Pearl River Police Department led the investigation.

According to trial testimony, an 11-year-old girl was taken to a hospital in Bogalusa in 2021 by her aunt and uncle after she disclosed she had been sexually assaulted by the defendant.  Upon learning the alleged abuse occurred in Pearl River, the hospital notified the Pearl River Police Department.  Officers arranged for the young girl to be interviewed by forensic interviewer Karole Muller at the Children’s Advocacy Center’s Hope House in Covington. During the interview, the child said Pellegrin had sexually assaulted her on multiple occasions over the course of several years.  The child said Pellegrin threatened her with a firearm if she didn’t keep the abuse a secret.  He also told her he would do the same things to her best friend if she told anyone.

During the trial, the victim and her friend both testified.  The friend said Pellegrin had once attempted to touch her inappropriately while they were seated on a sofa but she got up and moved away from him.  He then made some lewd remarks to her.  She did not disclose the incident to anyone until several years later when she happened to see Pellegrin at a Slidell Waffle House.  After prosecutors presented their case to the jury, Pellegrin took the witness stand. He accused the victim of lying but when asked what possible motive she had to lie, he could not think of any.  When prosecutors attempted to question him regarding the graphic details of abuse the victim described during her testimony, he claimed he didn’t pay attention to what she said.

After several hours of deliberating, the jury returned with its guilty verdict.  The court set Pellegrin’s sentencing for April 23, 2025.  The penalty for attempted aggravated crime against nature involving a victim under the age of thirteen is imprisonment for up to 49½ years.

Local Forecast for the Next Few Days

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

Today   Partly sunny, then gradually becoming sunny, with a high near 77. West wind 5 to 10 mph becoming north in the morning. Winds could gust as high as 20 mph.

Tonight   Clear, with a low around 48. North wind around 5 mph.

Wednesday   Sunny, with a high near 78. Northeast wind around 5 mph becoming south in the afternoon.

Wednesday Night   Mostly clear, with a low around 53. Calm wind.

Thursday   Sunny, with a high near 81. Light southeast wind becoming south 5 to 10 mph in the morning. Winds could gust as high as 20 mph.

Thursday Night   Partly cloudy, with a low around 59. South wind 5 to 10 mph.

Obituary

Pamela G. Wess

September 30, 1952 - April 13, 2025

Today's Headlines from NPR News

Washington Parish Jail Bookings for April 12-13, 2025

Ava Kruebbe (age 22 with Franklinton, La. address) was booked on the charge of Domestic Abuse Battery by the Washington Parish Sheriff's Office. Bond set at $3000.00.

Stacy McElveen (age 49 with Kentwood, La. address) was booked on the charges of Disturbing the Peace/Drunkenness and Resisting an Officer by the Washington Parish Sheriff's Office. Bond set at $5000.00.

Damarcus Simmons (age 36 with Kentwood, La. address) was booked on the charges of Disturbing the Peace/Drunkenness, Failure to Provide Proper Info, and Obscenity by the Washington Parish Sheriff's Office. Released on $3000.00 bond.

Tommy Quin (age 79 with Mt. Hermon, La. address) was booked on the charge of Illegal Discharge/Use of Weapon by the Washington Parish Sheriff's Office. Released on $5000.00 bond.

Thomas Turner (age 26 with Bogalusa, La. address) was booked on the charge of Failure to Appear by the Washington Parish Sheriff's Office. Bond set at $302.00.

Preston Downs (age 39 with Angie, La. address) was booked on the charges of 1st Degree Rape/Vaginal (4 counts), Sexual Battery/Victim Under 13 Years Old (2 counts), and Trafficking of Children for Sexual Purposes by the Washington Parish Sheriff's Office. No bond set at this time.

Joey Pedrego (age 17 with Bogalusa, La. address) was booked on the charge of Possession of a Stolen Firearm by the Washington Parish Sheriff's Office. No bond set at this time.

Justin Umpierre-Rodriguez (age 29 with Bogalusa, La. address) was booked on the charge of Convicted Felon in Possession of Firearm by the Washington Parish Sheriff's Office. No bond set at this time.

***All persons are innocent until proven guilty***

Local Forecast for the Next Few Days

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

Today   Sunny, with a high near 83. Southwest wind 5 to 10 mph.

Tonight   Mostly clear, with a low around 59. Southwest wind around 5 mph.

Tuesday   Mostly sunny, with a high near 77. Northwest wind 5 to 10 mph becoming north in the afternoon.

Tuesday Night   Clear, with a low around 49. North wind around 5 mph.

Wednesday   Sunny, with a high near 79. Northeast wind around 5 mph becoming south in the afternoon.

Wednesday Night   Mostly clear, with a low around 53. Calm wind.

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.

Local Forecast for the Next Few Days

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

Today   Sunny, with a high near 81. Light and variable wind becoming south 5 to 10 mph in the morning.

Tonight   Clear, with a low around 55. South wind around 5 mph.

Monday   Sunny, with a high near 83. Southwest wind 5 to 10 mph.

Monday Night   Partly cloudy, with a low around 60. Southwest wind around 5 mph.

Tuesday   Mostly sunny, with a high near 77. West wind 5 to 10 mph becoming north in the afternoon.

Tuesday Night   Clear, with a low around 50. North wind around 5 mph.

Obituary

Tracy Dawn Hobgood

September 7, 1975 - April 10, 2025

This Week's Episode of TWILA

Washington Parish Jail Bookings for April 11, 2025

Demond Peters (age 36 with Columbia, Ms. address) was booked on the charge of Failure to Honor Written Promise by the Washington Parish Sheriff's Office. Released on $200.00 bond.

Roy Tarver (age 60 with Franklinton, La. address) was booked on the charges of Attempted Auto Theft, Criminal Damage to Property Under 1000, and Criminal Trespass by the Washington Parish Sheriff's Office. Bond set at $1100.00.

Danny Graves (age 62 with Franklinton, La. address) was booked on the charges of Failure to Comply With Sex Offender Registration Requirements (2 counts) by the Washington Parish Sheriff's Office. No bond set at this time.

Lashana Mitchell (age 50 with Franklinton, La. address) was booked on the charges of Possession of Schedule II Drugs and Criminal Trespass by the Washington Parish Sheriff's Office. Bond set at $350.00.

Jalynn Warren (age 20 with Franklinton, La. address) was booked on the charges of Off-Road Vehicles Prohibited on Hwy, Aggravated Flight From an Officer, and Possession of Marijuana by the Washington Parish Sheriff's Office. Bond set at $1300.00.

***All persons are innocent until proven guilty***

Local Forecast for the Next Few Days

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

Today   Sunny, with a high near 75. Calm wind becoming north around 5 mph in the afternoon.

Tonight   Clear, with a low around 49. Calm wind.

Sunday   Sunny, with a high near 81. Light and variable wind becoming south 5 to 10 mph in the morning.

Sunday Night   Clear, with a low around 56. South wind around 5 mph.

Monday   Sunny, with a high near 84. South wind 5 to 10 mph.

Monday Night   Mostly clear, with a low around 59. Southwest wind around 5 mph.

Obituary

Cecil Eric Locke

February 2, 1968 - April 8, 2025

Man Convicted of Sex Trafficking Washington Parish Boy

District Attorney Collin Sims reported today that on Thursday (April 10, 2025), a Washington Parish jury unanimously found 28-year-old Benjamin Hart guilty of multiple felony offenses involving the sexual exploitation of a local child. Judge William Burris presided over the four-day trial. Hart was found guilty of Sexual Battery of a Juvenile Under the Age of 13, Trafficking of Children for Sexual Purposes, and Computer Aided Solicitation of a Juvenile Under the Age of 13. The jury returned a unanimous verdict after just 20 minutes of deliberation.

Evidence presented at trial established that Hart met the victim—a 10 year-old boy from Washington Parish—in 2020 while playing Xbox online. Their communication continued over time and moved to Snapchat, a messaging platform known for automatically deleting content after it is viewed. Hart used the app to send the child a sexually explicit image of himself, resulting in the solicitation charge.

The defendant ultimately convinced the victim to meet him in person. The defendant then began traveling to Washington Parish regularly, where he stayed for extended visits and sexually abused the child. Much of the abuse took place inside Hart’s 18-wheeler. Prosecutors showed that from 2020-2022, Hart gave the child expensive gifts, including a cell phone, gaming system, and money via mobile payment apps. He then used those gifts as leverage to coerce the child into further sexual acts - conduct that formed the basis of the trafficking charge.

The jury heard testimony by a forensic interviewer from Hope House, a nurse practitioner from Children’s Hospital, and the victim’s therapist, all of whom corroborated the child’s consistent disclosures and described the lasting psychological impact of the abuse.

Hart was present for jury selection on April 7, 2025 but refused to return for the remainder of the trial. The proceedings continued in his absence while the defendant remained in jail. He faces a possible sentence of 25 to 99 years when he is sentenced on May 16, 2025. The defendant is also facing 14 pending similar charges for 6 separate victims in New Hampshire.

Captain Chad Cassard of the Washington Parish Sheriff’s Office investigated the case. Assistant District Attorney’s Le’anne Malnar and Zack Popovich of the Special Victim’s Unit prosecuted the case.

Click here for a previous related story

District Attorney Collin Sims urges parents, educators, and community members to be aware of how predators target children through online gaming platforms such as Xbox Live, Minecraft, Roblox, Grand Theft Auto, and others. In this case, Hart used online gaming to gain the victim’s trust, isolate him, and begin years of abuse.

Warning signs may include:

• Sudden or unexplained decline in school performance
• Truancy or frequent absences
• Secretive behavior about online activity or gaming
• Receiving expensive or unexplained gifts (phones, electronics, money)
• Withdrawal from family or friends

This case is a devastating reminder that human trafficking can start in the most seemingly innocent places—like a child’s video game system,” said District Attorney Sims. “When a young child starts missing school or their grades suddenly drop, it should never be ignored. These may be red flags that something much more serious is happening behind the scenes.”

Today's Headlines from NPR News

Washington Parish Jail Bookings for April 10, 2025

Deborah Dowdy (age 52 with Franklinton, La. address) was booked on the charges of Driving With Suspended License Due to Previous DWI (or Other), Contempt of Court, Improper Running Lights, Expired License Plate, and Possession of Schedule 1 Drugs by the Washington Parish Sheriff's Office. Released on $5500.00 bond.

Jonathan Brown (age 35 with Bogalusa, La. address) was booked on the charges of Resisting an Officer, Possession With Intent to Distribute Schedule 1 Drugs, Possession With Intent to Distribute Schedule II Drugs, Possession of CDS With Weapon Present, Convicted Felon in Possession of Firearm, and Parole Violation by Probation and Parole. No bond set at this time.

Isaac Magee (age 67 with Angie, La. address) was booked on the charge of Failure to Comply with Sex Offender Registration Requirements by the Bogalusa Police Department. No bond set at this time.

Wendy Nicholson (age 37 with Bogalusa, La. address) was booked on the charges of No Insurance, Possession of Schedule IV Drugs, Possession of Marijuana, Possession of Drug Paraphenalia, Open Container, and Resisting an Officer by the Bogalusa Police Department. Bond set at $3600.00.

Jonathan Magee (age 44 with Franklinton, La. address) was booked on the charge of Parole Violation by Probation and Parole. No bond set at this time.

Donald Tate (age 54 with Covington, La. address) was booked on the charge of Probation Violation by Probation and Parole. No bond set at this time.

Jacob Jewell (age 37 with Mt. Hermon, La. address) was booked on the charge of Probation Violation by Probation and Parole. No bond set at this time.

***All persons are innocent until proven guilty***

Local Forecast for the Next Few Days

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

Today   Sunny, with a high near 77. Northwest wind 5 to 15 mph.

Tonight   Clear, with a low around 49. North wind 5 to 10 mph.

Saturday   Sunny, with a high near 74. Calm wind becoming north around 5 mph in the morning.

Saturday Night   Clear, with a low around 48. Calm wind.

Sunday   Sunny, with a high near 80. Calm wind becoming south around 5 mph in the afternoon.

Sunday Night   Clear, with a low around 54. South wind around 5 mph.

Obituary

Keitha Lynn Miller

February 23, 1954 - April 9, 2025

Obituary

Robert Craig Israel

April 11, 1943 – March 15, 2025

Get Out & Fish!

It’s springtime, and that means the fishing is heating up! The Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries has announced catfish stocking at 17 different sites, including at the Bogue Chitto State Park near Franklinton. The stockings is of adult-sized Channel Catfish. 

Click here for all the information you'll need, including:  fishing gear checklist, fishing tips, catfish recipes, and more.

Also, be sure to check out the Bogue Chitto State Park Facebook page.

BOLO: Tractor Stolen from Amite Area

The Tangipahoa Parish Sheriff’s Office is asking the public for assistance with locating a stolen tractor, a 1999  red 231 Massey Ferguson  valued at $5500, that was last seen in the 1900 block of Rolling Pines Road in the Amite area, on Sunday (December 1, 2024). It was reported stolen two days later.  

Sheriff Gerald Sticker encourages anyone with information about this theft, those responsible, or the whereabouts of the tractor, to contact the Criminal Investigations Division at 985-748-3337. 

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! You may be eligible for a cash reward.

Convicted Felon Arrested - Again - Gun and Drugs Found in His Covington-area Residence

Jalen “Hotboy” Dillworth, age 25 and a convicted felon, was arrested again after a gun and illegal drugs were found inside his Covington-area home.

On the morning of March 27, 2025, detectives with the St. Tammany Parish Sheriff’s Office Narcotics Unit executed a search warrant at a residence located in the 72000 block of Daisy Street near Covington. The search was part of an ongoing investigation into the reported illegal actions of Dillworth.

Detectives had learned Dillworth was often in possession of illegal drugs and a gun. Due to his prior felony convictions for aggravated second-degree battery, attempted armed robbery, possession of stolen firearms and racketeering, Dillworth was barred from legally possessing firearms.

While searching Dillworth’s residence, detectives located and seized nearly 8 grams of crack cocaine, approximately 243 grams of marijuana, various drug paraphernalia and a Glock handgun.

Dillworth and his girlfriend, 24-year-old Anna Duncan, who also resided at the Daisy Street home, were arrested,

Dillworth was booked into the St. Tammany Parish Correctional Center on the charges of Possession with the Intent to Distribute Schedule I (Marijuana), Possession with the Intent to Distribute Schedule II (Crack Cocaine), Possession of a Firearm by a Convicted Felon, Possession of Drug Paraphernalia, and Failure to Honor Written Promise to Appear.

Duncan was booked into the St. Tammany Parish Correctional Center on the charges of Possession with the Intent to Distribute Schedule II (Crack Cocaine) and Possession of Drug Paraphernalia.

Doctor Arrested for Cruelty - Accused of Battery of 14-Year-Old at a Mandeville-area Psychiatric Facility

Garrick Klaybor, age 39 and a New Orleans-area doctor, has been arrested on cruelty charges after he was accused of battery of a 14-year old patient at a Mandeville-area behavioral health facility. 

Deputies with the St. Tammany Parish Sheriff’s Office were contacted Monday (April 7, 2025) evening by staff members of the facility in reference to an incident which occurred the night prior involving the juvenile patient. Staff members reported that while they were securing the juvenile, the doctor pushed him and struck him with a closed fist. The juvenile was transported that night to a local hospital, where he was evaluated and released.

A warrant was issued for Klaybor on Tuesday (April 8, 2025) morning for one count of Cruelty to the Infirmed. Klaybor turned himself in Wednesday (April 9, 2025) evening and was booked into the St. Tammany Parish Correctional Center.

Obituary

Tomekia S. Harry

September 12, 1978 - March 18, 2025

Obituary

Wilda T. Magee

August 8, 1953 - March 31, 2025

Washington Parish Jail Bookings for April 8-9, 2025

Roy Short (age 50 with Bogalusa, La. address) was booked on the charges of Improper Lane Usage,
Littering, Possession With Intent to Distribute Schedule 1 Drugs, Possession With Intent to Distribute Schedule II Drugs, Sale Distribution or Possession of Legend Drugs Without Prescription or Order, Transactions Involving Proceeds from Drug Offenses, and Probation and Parole Hold by the Bogalusa Police Department. Bond set at $60000.00.

Vanessa Thomas (age 41 with Bogalusa, La. address) was booked on the charges of Domestic Abuse Battery and Resisting an Officer (2 counts) by the Washington Parish Sheriff's Office. Bond set at $800.00.

George Gordon (age 38 with Franklinton, La. address) was booked on the charges of Attempted 2nd Degree Murder and Illegal Discharge/Use of Weapon by the Washington Parish Sheriff's Office. No bond set at this time.

Esven Pelayo (age 44 with Franklinton, La. address) was booked on the charges of Home Invasion/Aggravated Assault/Battery, Domestic Abuse Battery/Strangulation, and Failure to Appear by the Washington Parish Sheriff's Office. No bond set at this time.

Tammy Archote (age 43 with Franklinton, La. address) was booked on the charges of Illegal Discharge/Use of Weapon and Contempt of Court by the Washington Parish Sheriff's Office. No bond set at this time.

Courtney Collins (age 43 with Bogalusa, La. address) was booked on the charges of Simple Burglary, Resisting an Officer, Possession of Schedule IV Drugs, Sale Distribution or Possession of Legend Drugs Without Prescription or Order, and Fugitive Other Jurisdiction by the Bogalusa Police Department. No bond set at this time.

Nicole Bergeron (age 38 with Bogalusa, La. address) was booked on the charges of Theft 1000-5000 and Skimming of Gaming Proceeds by the Bogalusa Police Department. No bond set at this time.

***All persons are innocent until proven guilty***

Today's Headlines from NPR News

Local Forecast for the Next Few Days

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

Today   Sunny, with a high near 81. Calm wind becoming west around 5 mph in the morning.

Tonight   Mostly clear, with a low around 54. Southwest wind around 5 mph becoming north after midnight.

Friday   Patchy fog before 8am. Otherwise, sunny, with a high near 76. North wind 5 to 15 mph.

Friday Night   Clear, with a low around 45. North wind 5 to 10 mph.

Saturday   Sunny, with a high near 73. North wind 5 to 10 mph.

Saturday Night   Clear, with a low around 45. North wind around 5 mph becoming calm.

Tickfaw Man and Girlfriend Arrested at Motel Following Investigation Into Distribution of Heroin Laced With Fentanyl

On April 7, 2025, the Hammond Police Department Narcotics Division, with the assistance of the HPD K-9 Division, arrested 47 year-old Xavier "Zata" Thompson of Tickfaw and 37 year-old Brittany Warren of Ponchatoula.

Detectives identified Thompson as a suspect in the distribution of illegal narcotics, specifically heroin laced with fentanyl, from a Hammond motel. Thompson was seen exiting his room and entering a vehicle in the motel parking lot. As Thompson was exiting the vehicle, HPD officers and detectives approached Thompson, who attempted to run and threw an item, but was ultimately placed under arrest without incident. A search of the area resulted a clear plastic bag containing suspected methamphetamine. A search of Thompson resulted in a plastic bag containing three plastic bags containing suspected fentanyl. 

A search warrant was obtained for the motel room. Thompson's girlfriend, Brittany Warren, was located inside. A search of the room resulted in the following being located: bag of marijuana, plate containing suspected fentanyl powder, multiple suboxone films, pills, clear bag containing suspected heroin, glass pipe used to smoke methamphetamine, digital scale, and multiple clear plastic bags.

Thompson has a lengthy arrest history and convictions for illegal narcotics charges and is on parole for illegal narcotics charges stemming from a HPD arrest in 2023. A detainer was placed on Thompson. 

All suspects are innocent until proven guilty