Tagged News

• Lawsuit filed following arrest of 13-year-old accused of vandalizing woman's home with vulgar graffiti Play Video

  June 7, 2026 11:03 AM

  CENTRAL — A lawsuit has been filed in the 19th Judicial District Court following the arrest of a 13-year-old charged with criminal damage to property by defacing with graffiti, criminal trespass and hate crimes. The teen was arrested after a woman's home was vandalized with photos of the home... more »

• Central leaders weigh in on AG's opinion about the future of law enforcement in the city Play Video

  June 5, 2026 5:37 PM

  CENTRAL — City leaders in Central are considering a partnership with the East Baton Rouge Parish Sheriff's Office designed to boost law enforcement coverage. The move comes after Louisiana Attorney General Liz Murrill released an official opinion saying the city can contract with the sheriff's office for services without... more »

• Photos of home allegedly vandalized by 13-year-old depict sexual imagery along with racial slur Play Video

  June 1, 2026 1:16 PM

  CENTRAL — Images of a home in Central show vulgar graffiti spray-painted across the garage and front door after a 13-year-old was arrested in connection with a vandalism investigation. Pictures of the home depicted sexually explicit imagery along with slurs spray-painted along the entryway and garage door. During... more »

• 13-year-old arrested in connection with vandalism investigation in Central Play Video

  May 29, 2026 1:21 PM

  CENTRAL — A 13-year-old was arrested in connection with a vandalism investigation in the Central area, according to the East Baton Rouge Parish Sheriff's Office. During the execution of a search warrant of the juvenile's residence, deputies discovered items seen in surveillance footage along with other materials consistent with... more »

• Applied Digital to build $3.6B AI facility in Rapides Parish Play Video

  May 26, 2026 3:22 PM

  ALEXANDRIA — Applied Digital Corporation is bringing a $3.6 billion artificial intelligence campus to Rapides Parish, Gov. Jeff Landry announced Tuesday. The facility, called Delta Forge 1, is built for "large-scale AI training and inference workloads," according to Louisiana Economic Development. It will initially be two facilities, which will... more »

• Central Police: Mayor Wade Evans' toxicology report shows no impairment after May crash Play Video

  May 26, 2026 1:50 PM

  CENTRAL — The Central Police Department has released the results of a completed investigation into a two-vehicle accident that Central Mayor Wade Evans was involved in on May 19. According to investigators, Evans was driving a city-owned Ford F-150 southbound on Blackwater Road after leaving a public event. He... more »

• Central's first City Hall in its history is now open to the public Play Video

  April 27, 2026 11:56 AM

  CENTRAL - The first City Hall in Central's history is finished and ready for public use! City leaders broke ground on the building February 2025. The public can visit the new City Hall on Tuesday from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. at 11530 Sullivan Road. WBRZ's Abigail... more »

• Central High baseball coach suspended after stripping off top half of uniform during game, reports say

  April 20, 2026 8:20 AM

  CENTRAL — Central High School's head baseball coach has been suspended by the Louisiana High School Athletics Association after he began stripping off his uniform during a game, LouisianaSports.net reports. Coach Sham Gabehart was suspended for the rest of the season, including playoffs, after he came out of the... more »

• East Baton Rouge Parish constable arrested in hit-and-run crash in Walmart parking lot Play Video

  April 16, 2026 2:57 PM

  CENTRAL — An East Baton Rouge Parish constable was issued a summons for a misdemeanor in a hit-and-run crash that happened on Tuesday. Central Police said Constable Gordon Hutchinson hit a parked car while he was leaving the Walmart along Sullivan Road around 11 p.m. Hutchinson's photo, taken... more »

• After asking public for help, Central Police Department identifies man who connected to hit-and-run

  April 13, 2026 11:20 AM

  CENTRAL — The Central Police Department asked the public for help identifying a man who may have information related to a hit-and-run on Monday. The following picture was captured on April 8, around 5:30 p.m. at the Shell gas station on Joor Road. According to Central Police, the minor... more »

• Central mayor: Timing of insurance savings from increased flood rating doesn't match what FEMA said

  March 31, 2026 10:21 AM

  CENTRAL — Mayor Wade Evans says that, while Central received a FEMA rating intended to reflect reduced flood risk and provide corresponding insurance premium discounts, the timing of these savings does not match what they were previously told by FEMA. Evans said Tuesday that Central has made significant, measurable... more »

• Lovett Road partially closed due to gas leak, Central Police Department says

  March 24, 2026 2:45 PM

  CENTRAL — Part of Lovett Road in Central is closed due to a gas leak, the Central Police Department said Tuesday afternoon. Police closed the westbound lane of Lovett Road near Prairie Drive and said motorists should avoid the area. Central police did not say when they expect... more »

• Central High, first responders hosting crash simulation teaching students dangers of distracted driving Play Video

  March 20, 2026 7:50 AM

  CENTRAL — Residents in Central may notice a large presence of emergency response vehicles, including ambulances and Louisiana State Police troopers, at Central High School on Friday; this is part of a mock crash simulation teaching students about the dangers of impaired and distracted driving. The event, hosted by... more »

• Grand jury chooses not to pursue charges against Central officer accused of malfeasance at this time Play Video

  March 18, 2026 8:10 PM

  CENTRAL - A grand jury decided not to formally charge a former Central Police Officer with payroll fraud and malfeasance in office at this time. Huey Haley was arrested back in October 2024 for allegedly stealing more than $24,000 in time from his former department. The grand jury... more »

• Central couple in their 80s without gas, power after tree falls on home Play Video

  March 12, 2026 11:14 AM

  CENTRAL — A Central couple in their 80s is living without gas and electricity after a tree crashed into their home on Thursday morning. The nearly 90-foot tree fell on top of the roof around 8 a.m., breaking through most of the ceiling. The crash damaged a gas... more »

• Plaquemine Fire Department renames station to honor family that has served the community for over a century Play Video

  March 8, 2026 8:05 PM

  PLAQUEMINE — The Plaquemine Fire Department renamed its Central Fire Station on Sunday to honor a family with a history spanning over a century with the department. The fire station was renamed to the Yves G. Ramirez Central Fire Station in honor of Yves G. Ramirez, who worked his... more »

• Central police chief says city mayor exaggerating budget needed to make department full-time Play Video

  February 26, 2026 4:33 PM

  CENTRAL - The Central Police Department chief said Thursday the mayor's proposed budget overestimates how much money it would take to operate the agency full-time. Chief Roger Corcoran said he submitted three models for a full-time Central Police Department with budgets ranging from $3.2 million to $4.7 million, and... more »

• 35-year-old woman identified as person who died after swimming in BREC nature preserve; foul play not suspected Play Video

  February 24, 2026 6:04 PM

  CENTRAL - A 35-year-old woman was identified as the person who died after swimming in a pond at the Blackwater Conservation Area in Central. Emily Cain, 35, died after struggling to swim in the water of the BREC nature preserve and being brought to the hospital, officials said. ... more »

• WBR deputy, Central Police officer arrested for allegedly beating child with belt

  February 24, 2026 2:54 PM

  BATON ROUGE - A West Baton Rouge Parish deputy and Central Police officer was arrested over the weekend after he was accused of beating a 6-year-old with a belt. An arrest warrant says that Charles Evans Jr. hit the child with a belt on Sunday, Feb. 8. The victim... more »

• Woman swimming in BREC nature preserve dies after being hospitalized Play Video

  February 20, 2026 9:41 AM

  CENTRAL — A woman swimming in a pond at the Blackwater Conservation Area in Central died after being taken to the hospital in critical condition Friday morning. A spokesperson from the Central Fire Department told WBRZ that, around 6:45 a.m., the woman was swimming with another person in the... more »

• Lockdown at Central High School lifted after school received threatening phone call Play Video

  February 19, 2026 1:12 PM

  CENTRAL — Central High School was placed on lockdown Thursday after receiving a threatening phone call. The school was immediately placed on lockdown as a precaution, a message sent out by the school said. Within an hour, the lockdown was lifted. "Students and staff are safe and are... more »

• Sullivan road construction project pushed back to May Play Video

  February 9, 2026 4:20 PM

  CENTRAL- A long-running construction project on Sullivan Road will take at least another month to finish, renewing frustration for drivers who use the corridor daily. What was expected to be completed in April has now been pushed to May, Central Mayor Wade Evans confirmed this week. Evans said... more »

• Rouses Markets opens new location in Central along Joor Road Play Video

  January 12, 2026 10:29 AM

  CENTRAL — Rouses Markets opened its new store location in Central on Monday, following the company's acquisition of 10 Winn-Dixie stores in Louisiana and Mississippi back in November . The new Rouses location at 10974 Joor Road opened with a ribbon-cutting ceremony hosted by President and CEO Donny Rouse,... more »

• Central Police Department hosts annual Drive-thru Toy Giveaway Play Video

  December 20, 2025 5:12 PM

  CENTRAL - The Central Police Department hosted its annual Drive-thru Toy Giveaway on Saturday at the Central Police Department. Cars lined up in the parking lot of the Central Police Department as Santa, accompanied by the Grinch, handed kids presents for the seventh year in a row. "It's... more »

• 87-year-old killed in Central wreck along Joor Road Play Video

  December 18, 2025 12:12 PM

  CENTRAL — One person was killed in a crash involving an 18-wheeler at the intersection of Joor and Lovett roads in Central. The crash happened shortly before 10 a.m. Two people were taken to a hospital where 87-year-old Gary Chapman of Baton Rouge passed away. According to Central... more »

• Student-athletes from around Capital region sign Letters of Intent Play Video

  December 3, 2025 7:42 PM

  BATON ROUGE - Student-athletes from around the Baton Rouge area signed National Letters of Intent to play college sports on Wednesday. East Ascension Brysten Martinez - LSU Football University Lab Lawson Dixon – Southeastern football Erin Moore – Navy football Jordan Pinnock –... more »

• 4-month-old girl one of 3 killed in Thursday night Joor Road crash, police chief says Play Video

  November 28, 2025 2:03 PM

  CENTRAL — A 4-month-old girl was one of three people killed in a head-on collision on Joor Road Thursday night, Central Police Chief Roger Corcoran told WBRZ. Corcoran said the crash took the lives of 58-year-old Howard Gross of Baker, 44-year-old Reginald Hall and a 4-month-old girl whose mother... more »

• Three dead, including juvenile, after crash in Central Play Video

  November 27, 2025 11:13 PM

  CENTRAL — Three people are dead, including a juvenile, after a Thursday night crash on Joor Road in Central, according to the Central Police Department. Police say, around 9:14 p.m., an orange Mustang with a single occupant was driving down Joor Road and appears to have crossed the center... more »

• Central Police looking for alleged Taco Bell wallet thief seen on video Play Video

  November 25, 2025 2:23 PM

  CENTRAL — Central Police are looking for a person seen on security footage appearing to steal someone's wallet in a Taco Bell. In the video shared by CPD, a wallet can be seen sitting on a table in the restaurant after its owner left it behind. The person accused... more »

• Central pulls away from East Ascension to advance to state quarterfinals Play Video

  November 21, 2025 11:46 PM

  CENTRAL - The Central football team continued its road to the Superdome with a win Friday night against East Ascension. The Wildcats went down early, but answered the Spartans each time to take an 18-17 lead at the half. On the first drive of the second half, Max Gassiot... more »

• VIDEO: Central Police looking for driver who destroyed mailbox with truck before driving off Play Video

  November 20, 2025 2:29 PM

  CENTRAL — Central Police are looking for the driver of a truck that smashed a homeowner's mailbox and drove away. In surveillance footage posted by the police department, a white truck can be seen drifting off Spanish Oak Drive and ramming into a mailbox. Pieces of the mailbox appear... more »

• Central Police arrest woman for BAC allegedly 2.5 times legal limit after head-on collision Play Video

  November 18, 2025 3:10 PM

  CENTRAL — Central Police arrested a woman accused of driving with a blood alcohol concentration nearly two-and-a-half times the legal limit and causing a head-on collision. CPD said Olivia H. Will, 24, was driving by herself with a BAC of 0.2064 percent around 5:55 p.m. on March 27. She... more »

• Central handles Dutchtown to move to second round of state playoffs Play Video

  November 14, 2025 11:49 PM

  CENTRAL - The Central Wildcats cruised to a win over Dutchtown in the first round of the Division I Non-Select state playoffs Friday night. The Wildcats scored five touchdowns in the first half to lead 32-10 at the break, before coasting to a 52-24 win. Jacob Snowbarger had... more »

• WATCH: Central Police looking for delivery driver seen driving on lawn, throwing package Play Video

  November 3, 2025 12:57 PM

  CENTRAL — Central Police are looking for a delivery driver who allegedly damaged a homeowner's walkway after he was caught on video driving on the lawn and tossing a package to the doorstep. In the Ring Doorbell footage shared by CPD, the driver can be seen fully driving a... more »

• Central Police looking for driver accused of hit-and-run Play Video

  October 28, 2025 4:13 PM

  CENTRAL — Central Police are looking for a driver accused of a hit-and-run, the department posted on social media Tuesday. Police said they are trying to locate the driver of a black Chevrolet truck with three stickers in the bottom-left corner of the rear windshield. They say the truck... more »

• Historic Greenwell Springs being revitalized with backing from Central City leaders Play Video

  September 29, 2025 5:20 PM

  CENTRAL - A historic site off of Greenwell Springs Road has a long way to go before it's ready for visitors, but city leaders say they want to revitalize a nearly 200-year-old site for everyone to enjoy the community's rich history. Taking a step back in time could soon... more »

• Motorcyclist airlifted to hospital in critical condition after being struck by car in Central Play Video

  September 18, 2025 8:59 AM

  CENTRAL — A motorcyclist was airlifted to the hospital in critical condition Thursday morning after being struck by a car in Central. Officials said the motorcyclist was struck around 5:15 a.m. at the corner of Greenwell Springs Road and Magnolia Bend Road. Acadian Ambulance Service said that the... more »

• FRIDAY NIGHT BLITZ: Central outlasts Denham Springs in 77th edition of Amite River Rivalry Play Video

  September 12, 2025 11:49 PM

  DENHAM SPRINGS - The Central Wildcats went into Denham Springs Friday night and picked up a tough victory over the Yellowjackets in the 77th edition of the Amite River Rivalry. Central 34, Denham Springs 28 Central scored first with a Brody Knapps rushing touchdown after the Wildcats recovered... more »

• Central: Proposed city center is 'long-term vision' to increase 'quality of life' without raising taxes Play Video

  August 20, 2025 1:09 PM

  CENTRAL — The city of Central unveiled its plan for a new city center development project that it says will bolster flood control efforts and provide new retail, entertainment and recreational areas. The project, dubbed "Main Street 2030," will be developed between Sullivan Road, Hooper Road and Wax Road... more »

• Central High teacher rebooting robotics club as students return to school Play Video

  August 7, 2025 6:55 AM

  CENTRAL — One teacher in Central is bringing a new opportunity to campus as students return to classes. David Bennett is rebooting Central High School's robotics club. He says the goal is to give students hands-on experience in science, technology and engineering. Bennett has designed his classes to... more »

• Thursday AM Forecast: New school year, Same Louisiana heat Play Video

  August 7, 2025 5:16 AM

  As many students and teachers head back to school today across the Capital Area, a classic August day is in store. It will be warm and dry by the bus stop before turning hot and steamy for after school activities! Today & Tonight: Thursday starts off mostly clear with... more »

• Locals Bar and Kitchen Central hosts benefit for recovering BRPD officer and his family Play Video

  July 19, 2025 9:29 PM

  CENTRAL -- Locals Bar and Kitchen Central was packed Saturday for the "Caleb Strong Benefit" that raised money for a BRPD officer and his family. Sgt. Caleb Eisworth continues to recover after police say he was intentionally rammed by a truck while on duty back in June; he lost... more »

• Woman arrested for allegedly setting fire to two homes in one night Play Video

  July 15, 2025 2:09 PM

  CENTRAL - A woman is facing charges for two separate fires that happened in one evening on Greenwell Springs Road. The Baton Rouge Fire Department was called to investigate a fire that happened on Greenwell Springs on May 28. Investigators found the fire was intentionally set. On July... more »

• Despite statewide rise in test scores, only 3 districts have above half of students mastering material Play Video

  July 3, 2025 12:50 PM

  BATON ROUGE — The Louisiana Department of Education's newest batch of LEAP test score data released Thursday shows that only three school districts statewide have more than half of students mastering the curriculum. Ascension Parish, Central and West Feliciana Parish schools all recorded Mastery rates of 50 or above... more »

• Toddler pronounced dead after being hit by car in Central Play Video

  July 2, 2025 10:55 AM

  CENTRAL - A 2-year-old boy died after being hit by a vehicle in Central, East Baton Rouge Parish Sheriff's Office officials said Wednesday. The toddler allegedly ran in front of the car around 12:19 p.m. on Tuesday along Larch Meadow Circle when he was hit. He was brought... more »

• 2une In Previews: Red White and Boom in Central Play Video

  July 1, 2025 10:14 AM

  CENTRAL - The city of Central is celebrating not only Independence Day but also the city's 20th anniversary with its Red White and Boom event happening Saturday! The event will take place at The Grand Settlement at Shoe Creek from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m. and will feature live... more »

• Sports2-A-Days: Central Wildcats Play Video

  June 30, 2025 5:48 PM

  CENTRAL - The Central Wildcats kick off WBRZ's Sports2-A-Days 2025 high school football previews. Central won the program's first state championship in 58 years last season, beating Ruston 42-0 in the Division I Non-Select state title game. David Simoneaux is entering his third year as the head coach... more »

• Driver accused of causing 18-wheeler to overturn in 2024 pleads guilty to reckless operation Play Video

  June 26, 2025 11:27 AM

  CENTRAL - A driver accused of causing an 18-wheeler to overturn in a 2024 crash pleaded guilty to reckless operation Wednesday. Joseph Montgomery was arrested after his vehicle crossed the center line into oncoming traffic, causing the driver of an 18-wheeler to swerve into a ditch. It took hours... more »

• Hooper Road reopens in Central after tree falls, strikes live lines

  June 23, 2025 5:33 PM

  CENTRAL — Traffic on Hooper Road was limited to one lane Monday afternoon after a tree fell and struck multiple live lines. The tree went down between Live Oak Grove Drive and Joor Road, Central Fire officials said around 4:15 p.m. Within an hour, the tree was removed... more »

• Semi-truck carrying gravel overturns along Magnolia Bridge Road

  June 19, 2025 1:28 PM

  CENTRAL — An 18-wheeler carrying gravel overturned on Magnolia Bridge Road near Wax Road in Central on Thursday. The Central Police Department said that a wrecker is on its way to remove the overturned semi-truck. Officials say Magnolia Bridge Road has been reopened after crews worked to remove... more »

• One person removed from car rolled on its side in Central Play Video

  June 15, 2025 10:30 AM

  CENTRAL — Firefighters removed one person from a car that had been rolled onto its side in Central early Sunday morning. First responders were called to a car accident at the 12300 block of Gurney Road just before 6 a.m. They found one car on its side with one... more »

• VIDEO: Car caught fire after being crushed by a tree during severe weather Play Video

  June 11, 2025 7:57 PM

  CENTRAL — A car caught fire after a tree fell on it when a severe thunderstorm and hail blew through Central on Wednesday afternoon. Video shared by the Central Fire Department on Facebook shows flames emerging from the front of the car while the fallen tree lies on top... more »

• Chainsaw thief leaves Central store without paying for tool

  June 9, 2025 8:39 PM

  CENTRAL - Police officers in Central are searching for a man who walked into a store and left with a chainsaw without paying for it. The Central Police Department said the theft happened Saturday. The person pushed the tool out of the store in a basket, and left in... more »

• Central firefighters respond to a house fire along Woodstock Way Drive Play Video

  June 1, 2025 10:50 AM

  CENTRAL — Firefighters in Central responded to a house fire along Woodstock Way Drive on Saturday morning. Fire officials said the fire happened along Woodstock Way Drive near Tugwell Lane shortly after 1 a.m. Investigators determined the fire started after a car caught fire and spread to the house.... more »

• Documents reveal back and forth at Central Police Department Play Video

  May 30, 2025 6:46 PM

  CENTRAL - After an internal affairs investigation led to the Central Police Chief Roger Corcoran asking for the termination of his assistant chief Cliff Ivey, WBRZ obtained the 63-page report which shows how the investigation unfolded. Tuesday night after hours in executive session, the city of Central unanimously voted... more »

• Proposed law outlining St. George School District passes committee, heads to House floor Play Video

  May 28, 2025 12:53 PM

  BATON ROUGE — A proposal to set up the rules for an independent St. George School District passed committee in the state legislature Wednesday morning, bringing St. George's decade-plus journey of creating its own school district one step closer to reality. Sen. Rick Edmonds' SB 234 passed the House... more »

• Caught 'paw-handed': Deputies catch bear rummaging through neighborhood trash cans in Central Play Video

  May 28, 2025 11:48 AM

  CENTRAL — A furry trespasser was caught "paw-handed" digging through trash bins in Central on Wednesday morning. The East Baton Rouge Parish Sheriff's Office said that the bear was caught around 9 a.m. on Glen Watts Road near Hooper Road. Deputies joked, saying that the bear "claimed it was... more »

• Two bills regarding St. George school district creation, split from Baton Rouge face opposition Play Video

  May 20, 2025 8:04 PM

  BATON ROUGE - Members of the East Baton Rouge school board argue they want the future St. George school board to pay its fair share. The founders of the City of St. George say they created the city because they wanted to create their own school district. They could... more »

• Central Police searching for driver involved in hit-and-run Play Video

  April 30, 2025 5:15 PM

  CENTRAL — Central Police are searching for a driver involved in a hit-and-run earlier in the month. Police said that the hit-and-run happened on April 11 shortly after 9 p.m. on Blackwater Road near the Blackwater Bayou. Investigators said that the fleeing vehicle was likely a black 2018-2022 Honda... more »

• Entergy admits it let customers down in neighborhood with repeat outages Play Video

  April 24, 2025 4:42 PM

  CENTRAL - A cavalry of Entergy trucks is working in a neighborhood that has been plagued with power outages . Dozens of linemen are making upgrades to a system that had failed nearly 200 households in Morgan Place West. Teresa Golden moved to the Central neighborhood last year. ... more »

• Legislator proposes bill that would separate Central parks from BREC Play Video

  April 22, 2025 6:46 PM

  CENTRAL — A bill proposed during the 2025 legislative session would see the city of Central break from BREC and manage its own parks. Rep. Lauren Ventrella's proposal — HB 649 — would create the Central Recreation District as a governing body distinct from BREC and East Baton Rouge... more »

• Outages continue in Central neighborhood, Entergy says fix is 'weeks' away Play Video

  April 16, 2025 5:36 PM

  CENTRAL - A neighborhood in Central continues to lose power. It's been out four times since 2 On Your Side was there about the same issue one month ago. Teresa Golden moved into Morgan Place West subdivision a year ago and says she loses power weekly. "It's not... more »

• Officials say cause of gas smell in Central, Livingston Parish originates from leaking tanker truck

  April 11, 2025 6:23 PM

  CENTRAL — Officials said that they are investigating the source of an unpleasant gas smell reported Friday afternoon. Central officials said that they received multiple calls about the smell across the city and could not find any source to the smell and it was believed that the source passed... more »