Tagged News

• Would-be robber mobbed by angry tenants after botched heist at Baton Rouge apartment complex

  October 25, 2023 3:00 PM

  BATON ROUGE - A criminal's plot to rob several tenants at a Baton Rouge apartment complex by pretending to have a gun in his pocket backfired when the residents realized he was completely unarmed. The Baton Rouge Fire Department says 45-year-old Reginald Millican's plan involved pulling a fire alarm... more »

• Federal judge orders police to leave 'Brave Cave' site untouched as BRPD faces lawsuit

  October 5, 2023 8:03 PM

  BATON ROUGE - A federal judge has ordered that the Baton Rouge Police Department leave its infamous interrogation site known as the Brave Cave untouched while the department faces a civil lawsuit and several of its officers face criminal charges. The order from federal Judge Scott Johnson calls for... more »

• One week after his son's arrest, high-ranking BRPD officer placed on leave as feds investigate department Play Video

  September 27, 2023 11:35 AM

  BATON ROUGE - Troy Lawrence Sr., a BRPD deputy chief whose police officer son was arrested last week after it was revealed he tased a handcuffed suspect, has been placed on administrative leave as the department faces a federal investigation over alleged police misconduct. The WBRZ Investigative Unit learned... more »

• Troubled BRPD officer implicated in 'Brave Cave' lawsuit arrested on simple battery charge Play Video

  September 21, 2023 3:27 PM

  BATON ROUGE - A former Baton Rouge police officer with a history of excessive force complaints was arrested over allegations that he tased a suspect in handcuffs. Sources told the WBRZ Investigative Unit that Troy Lawrence Jr. , 26, was issued a summons for simple battery Wednesday. The charge... more »

• Man wanted in federal child sex-trafficking case captured in Baton Rouge

  May 20, 2022 2:06 PM

  BATON ROUGE - A Guatemalan national who entered the country illegally was arrested in the capital area Friday on charges tied to an out-of-state human-trafficking investigation. A spokesperson for U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement said Belter Manolo Arana Bautista, 36, was arrested by federal agents in Baton Rouge. ... more »

• Ascension public works employee arrested on drug charges

  May 20, 2022 10:18 AM

  DONALDSONVILLE - An employee with the Ascension Parish government was booked this week on federal drug charges. According to the Ascension Parish Sheriff's Office, Kelly Jones was arrested Tuesday on charges of conspiracy and possession of methamphetamine with intent to distribute. The sheriff's could not release further details, citing... more »

• 21-year-old arrested in deadly drive-by shooting outside Mall of Louisiana Play Video

  April 14, 2022 2:46 PM

  BATON ROUGE - Police made an arrest in a brazen shooting outside the Mall of Louisiana that left two teenagers dead and kicked off a month-long effort to identify suspects. On Thursday, the Baton Rouge Police Department announced the arrest of 21-year-old Demetriyon Grim, who was booked on two... more »

• Four arrested in month-long crime spree across Baton Rouge

  January 27, 2022 2:08 PM

  BATON ROUGE - Four suspects were arrested this week for their roles in a string of armed robberies reported in the capital area over the past month. The Baton Rouge Police Department said the crime spree started Dec. 29 and involved at least five armed robberies and a home... more »

• Jurors view graphic rape video in second day of Livingston sex abuse trial Play Video

  December 1, 2021 6:03 PM

  LIVINGSTON - During the second day of Melanie Curtin's trial, the jury had to endure a 17-minute video of a rape. The prosecution said it showed Curtin, a former Livingston Parish Sheriff's Office employee, and Dennis Perkins performing oral and vaginal sex on one of Perkins' ex-partners, who was... more »

• Police say carjacking led to sprawling pursuit through Baton Rouge, teens' arrests Play Video

  November 4, 2021 6:13 PM

  BATON ROUGE - A high-speed chase through Baton Rouge Wednesday evening landed 18-year-old D'Sean Lacey and three 15-year-olds behind bars. It all happened because of an armed carjacking in the Sherwood Forest area. "I know there was a handgun involved and he was forced out of his car,"... more »

• Two arrested in deadly August shooting on Simplex Street

  September 28, 2021 2:23 PM

  BATON ROUGE - Police arrested two men in a double shooting that left a man dead last month. The U.S. Marshals assisted BRPD Detectives in arresting Marvin Payne, 32, and Jeremy Payne, 29, for their involvement in the shooting on Simplex Street near Cadillac Street. Both men were... more »

• Baton Rouge woman arrested, charged with second-degree murder

  May 29, 2021 5:06 PM

  BATON ROUGE - A woman was arrested for second-degree murder Friday. Andreniki Franklin, 29, was the suspect in a May 30, 2020 shooting that fatally injured 25-year-old Karlnita Marks. According to reports, Marks had been shot and later transported to a hospital around 12:31 a.m. After investigation, an... more »

• Woman arrested, man on the run after allegedly setting several fires to kill snakes

  March 29, 2021 4:59 PM

  LEESVILLE - Two people are accused of starting multiple fires to kill snakes. On March 18, investigators from the Louisiana Department of Agriculture and Forestry arrested Laura Ashley Lee, 34, for arson. Lee is currently out on a $3,500 bond. Investigators are still searching for Robert Lee Ramirez,... more »

• Former West Feliciana sheriff's deputy arrested on child porn charges

  March 2, 2021 5:30 PM

  BATON ROUGE - A former West Feliciana sheriff's deputy was arrested Tuesday for alleged possession of child pornography. William Herrin, 60, of St. Francisville was charged with 50 counts of possession of pornography involving juveniles under the age of thirteen. Herrin's arrest was the result of a joint... more »

• State placing more troopers in New Orleans during Mardi Gras to enforce COVID restrictions

  February 4, 2021 5:42 PM

  NEW ORLEANS - Governor John Bel Edwards said there will be a heightened law enforcement presence in the Crescent City during Mardi Gras to ensure partying doesn't get out of hand. During his latest coronavirus briefing Thursday, Edwards said the state is sending additional state troopers, as well as... more »

• Woman charged in Capitol riot asks judge to let her take trip to Mexico

  February 3, 2021 5:33 PM

  WASHINGTON - A woman facing criminal charges after the insurrection at the U.S. Capitol last month has asked a federal judge to let her travel to Mexico for a "work-related bonding retreat." CNN cites court records saying Jenny Cudd, a flower shop owner from Midland, Texas, asked for permission... more »

• INVESTIGATIVE UNIT: Broken system allows alleged criminals multiple bonds Play Video

  December 9, 2020 5:00 PM

  BATON ROUGE - It's a problem that isn't new but is so serious your family's safety could be at risk. Part of a defendant's bond conditions includes not committing crimes while out on bond. However, the WBRZ Investigative Unit found time and time again people are arrested for committing... more »

• LSU Police nab two for allegedly skateboarding in PMAC

  October 5, 2020 11:56 AM

  BATON ROUGE - On Sunday night, LSU Police say two skateboarders practiced their moves in a place they had no business entering. According to arrest records, 19-year-old Christian Weaver and 20-year-old Brandon Gilbert were among a group of skateboarders caught on surveillance camera skating in LSU's Pete Maravich Assembly... more »

• Walker breaks record for number arrests inside city limits Play Video

  May 7, 2019 5:29 PM

  WALKER - Walker Police Chief David Addison told WBRZ his police department arrested more people last year passing through the city than ever before. "It's my promise and my duty to keep it free of crime as possible," Addison said. According to crime stats WBRZ obtained, last year there were:... more »

• Suspect arrested in December murder

  January 1, 2019 2:25 PM

  BATON ROUGE - Fugitive task force agents tracked down and arrested a suspect in an end-of-the-year slaying in Baton Rouge. Police revealed Joshua White, 31, was arrested and charged with the death of Tyree Jackson, 25. Jackson was shot on December 26 on Bawell Street. Jackson died a few... more »

• Man gets fifth DWI despite four prior convictions Play Video

  May 29, 2018 5:23 PM

  BATON ROUGE - Morris Bernard has experience getting arrested for driving while intoxicated. The Baton Rouge man was arrested for a fifth time over the weekend, sparking outrage among those demanding safer roads. Bernard caused a crash involving four vehicles Saturday night at the intersection of McClelland and Hollywood in... more »

• Sheriff: Double shooting, murder was over someone 'mean muggin''

  February 10, 2018 10:22 PM

  MARINGOUIN - Two people are now in jail following an unusual, deadly shooting in this rural community earlier this month. The double shooting killed Christopher Carter, 26, and injured a second person on Church Street near Mayer Street. Larry West, 38, of Baton Rouge, was arrested and charged... more »

• Arrest made in mid-June beating death

  November 23, 2017 12:07 PM

  SHREVEPORT- A Louisiana man is facing murder charges after the investigation into the death of a man who was injured back in June. News outlets report 54-year-old Marvin Davis, of Shreveport, was arrested Tuesday in the death of 56-year-old Guy Bernard. He faces a charge of second-degree murder. Jail... more »

• Inmate faces additional charges after trying to disarm officers

  November 8, 2017 11:17 AM

  MORGAN CITY- Patrol and correction officers responded to the Morgan City Jail in regards to a combative inmate. The inmate was identified as 26-year-old David Turner. Authorities said during the encounter Turner allegedly struck patrol and correction officers and tried to disarm two officers of their tasers. Turner... more »

• Dallas man arrested near White House after allegedly threatening to kill 'all white police'

  November 7, 2017 9:58 AM

  A man was arrested near the White House Monday for allegedly threatening to kill “all white police” at the residence. ABC News reports, the Secret Service was notified to be on the lookout for the man who had "reportedly traveled to Washington, D.C., for the purpose" of carrying out... more »

• Man attempts to flee from police custody while sitting in patrol vehicle

  September 20, 2017 10:57 AM

  BATON ROUGE - Authorities arrested a man for illegal possession of a firearm and resisting arrest after an attempted escape from custody Wednesday. Officers from the Baton Rouge Police Department pulled Zedrick Thomas, 26, over while he was driving a grey Toyota Camry in the 5000 block of Washington... more »

• Woman arrested for sexually suggestive texts to 13-year-old girl

  September 12, 2017 11:35 AM

  ASSUMPTION- A woman has been arrested after she sent sexually suggestive text messages to a minor. The Assumption Parish Sheriff's Office received a complaint from a mother who said the suspect, identified as Alexis Blanchard, had contacted her daughter via text messages and made numerous sexually suggestive comments. ... more »

• Two suspects wanted for vehicle burglary and fraud

  September 6, 2017 3:36 PM

  BATON ROUGE- The West Baton Rouge Sheriff’s Office is seeking help from the public in identifying two individuals. The men are wanted for simple burglary and access device fraud. On August 27 at 3:20 a.m, the two suspects arrived at the Tiger Trax Exxon Gas Station in Erwinville, in... more »

• Man arrested after beating pregnant wife, leading deputies on high-speed chase

  September 1, 2017 3:05 PM

  AMELIA - An area man is facing numerous charges after he kicked his pregnant wife in the stomach and led police on a high-speed car chase Thursday. The Assumption Parish Sheriff’s Office responded to a complaint early Thursday morning concerning a fight involving several men in Amelia. At... more »

• Authorities asking for help in identifying hit-and-run driver

  September 1, 2017 2:24 PM

  BATON ROUGE- The Baton Rouge Police Department is asking for the public’s assistance in identifying a suspect in a hit-and-run incident. The suspect is accused of striking a vehicle in the parking lot of Frank’s restaurant at 8353 Airline Highway on August 11. The suspect struck the driver side... more »

• Arrest made in Swan Avenue shooting

  August 28, 2017 7:04 AM

  BATON ROUGE- A local man has been arrested and charged with multiple charges including attempted first-degree murder after an incident that took place in May. On May 12, two victims were exiting their residence to walk to their vehicle in the 1700 block of Swan Avenue when a man,... more »

• Multi-agency roundup results in 20 arrests in Ponchatoula

  August 10, 2017 3:31 PM

  PONCHATOULA- As the result of a multi-agency roundup named Operation Safe City Ponchatoula Police Chief Bry Layrisson announces the arrest of 20 subjects on Tuesday. Under the direction of Captain Miller and Captain McGary, officers from the Ponchatoula Police Department,as well as members of the Louisiana Probation and Parole;... more »

• DA Hillar Moore releases statement on BRAVE funding controversy

  August 9, 2017 1:51 PM

  BATON ROUGE - District Attorney Hillar Moore issued a statement Wednesday addressing the controversy surrounding a Baton Rouge crime-fighting initiative. Moore, who was one of the co-signers of BRAVE, says the program has been an overall success and that recent attention brought to Mayor Sharon Weston Broome's suspended contracts... more »

• LSP: Man faces 7th DWI arrest after hit-and-run in Lake Charles

  June 4, 2017 6:32 PM

  LAKE CHARLES - A man is facing his seventh DWI arrest after he fled the scene of a three-vehicle crash early Sunday morning. The crash occurred around 4 a.m. on Highway 90 near Goodman Lane. According to Louisiana State Police, 43-year-old Eric Grisham was arrested after he crashed... more »

• Seven arrested for drug distribution in Assumption Parish

  May 9, 2017 5:33 PM

  ASSUMPTION PARISH - The Assumption Parish Sheriff's Office has announced the arrest of seven people on drug distribution charges. Sheriff Leland Falcon says deputies began executing several warrants on Friday as a part of "Operation Fresh Start". The sheriff says the operation targeted mid-level dealers distributing a variety of... more »

• Two arrested in strange home invasion scam in Tangipahoa Parish

  May 1, 2017 4:32 PM

  INDEPENDENCE - Deputies arrested two Tangipahoa Parish citizens after they reported a fake home invasion to authorities. According to the Tangipahoa Parish Sheriff's Office, 19-year-old Hannah Charbonnet and her ex-boyfriend, 20-year-old Alexander Fisher, fabricated the story of a home invasion at the residence of her current boyfriend and father... more »

• Passenger ejected, driver injured in Denham Springs crash

  April 7, 2017 8:52 PM

  DENHAM SPRINGS - One person was ejected from a vehicle after a crash in Denham Springs. A spokesperson for the Livingston Parish Sheriff's Office says the vehicle was traveling westbound on Lockhart Road near Magnolia Blvd. Officials say the vehicle veered right for unknown reasons and drove into... more »

• Eight arrested for burglaries, drugs in Tangipahoa Parish

  April 4, 2017 4:12 PM

  PONCHATOULA - Eight people have been arrested in an investigation into multiple home burglaries in Tangipahoa Parish last week. According to the Tangipahoa Parish Sheriff's Office, the suspects were arrested after three burglaries were reported on Beach Road on Mar. 27. Deputies say several firearms were reported stolen. ... more »

• Man accused of not completing construction work on home

  March 28, 2017 1:46 PM

  BATON ROUGE – Police say a man has been arrested for not completing construction work on a home that he was paid more than $1,000 to do. The Baton Rouge Police Department arrested 48-year-old Andrew Darian on charges on home improvement fraud, felony theft and misapplication of payment. ... more »

• Four wanted for using fake money in Tangipahoa Parish

  March 13, 2017 12:32 PM

  HAMMOND – Deputies say four people are wanted for using counterfeit money in Tangipahoa Parish. Sheriff Daniel Edwards said the TPSO Financial Crimes Unit has been investigating multiple complaints over the past few months. Detectives have obtained arrest warrants for four individuals identified as perpetrating monetary instrument abuse. ... more »

• Arrests made in 2016 murder of Ponchatoula teen

  February 24, 2017 3:23 PM

  PONCHATOULA – Arrests have been made in connection to a 2016 Ponchatoula murder case, the Louisiana Attorney General announced. Tony Johnson, 18, Dkerian Johnson, 18, and two juveniles were arrested in connection to the August 2016 murder of 19-year-old Christopher Franklin. According to the Hammond Daily Star, Franklin... more »

• Teen in custody related to Ascension cyberbullying investigation

  February 22, 2017 5:46 PM

  GEISMAR - A teenager was taken into custody at Dutchtown High School Wednesday related to a cyberbullying investigation. The sheriff's office handled the arrest, but could not provide the teenager's name due to their age. However, WBRZ has learned the teenager is a 16-year-old student at Dutchtown High. The... more »

• Disturbance leads to arrests of multiple students in Livonia Play Video

  February 16, 2017 6:35 PM

  LIVONIA- A disturbance at Livonia High School led to the arrests of nine students. A fight broke out Monday, and those familiar with what's going on in the school say conditions have gotten so bad, some no longer feel safe. The Pointe Coupee Parish Sheriff says there have been an... more »

• Investigations lead to seizure of drugs, guns, money and 2 arrests

  February 2, 2017 1:58 PM

  BATON ROUGE – Investigations conducted by multiple law enforcement agencies led to two arrests and the seizure of several drugs, guns and money on Tuesday. Detectives with the BRPD Special Response Team, the East Baton Rouge Sheriff's Office and the West Baton Rouge Sheriff's Office assisted in investigations that... more »

• 2 arrested for DWI following sobriety checkpoint

  January 13, 2017 4:49 PM

  BATON ROUGE – There were only two DWI arrests after a multi-agency sobriety checkpoint on Thursday night. The checkpoint was conducted from 11 p.m. to 3 a.m. and took place in the 3700 block of Nicholson Drive near South Stadium Drive. A total of 592 vehicles were screened.... more »

• Felon with active burglary warrant arrested

  December 29, 2016 4:59 PM

  BATON ROUGE – A convicted felon with an active arrest warrant for burglary and an extensive criminal background was arrested Wednesday. The Baton Rouge Police charged 33-year-old Dwayne Cossett with illegal carry of a firearm, felon in possession of a firearm, possession of a stolen firearm and resisting an... more »

• Three men arrested for more than 500 counts of child pornography

  October 27, 2016 12:53 PM

  DENHAM SPRINGS – Three Louisiana men have been arrested more than 550 counts of child pornography. 31-year-old Michael Clark of Denham Springs was arrested on 300 counts on possession of child pornography, four counts of production of child pornography, three counts of distribution of child pornography and one count... more »

• LSU student vomits on others, fights deputies in student section

  October 23, 2016 4:33 PM

  BATON ROUGE – Deputies say an LSU student had to be carried on an officer's shoulders out of Tiger Stadium after vomiting on other students and fighting police Saturday night. Shortly after 10 p.m., East Baton Rouge Sheriff's Deputies tried to contact 20-year-old Renuka Koritala about a complaint she... more »

• Three women arrested for Medicaid fraud

  October 14, 2016 11:43 AM

  BATON ROUGE – The attorney general announced the arrests of three Louisiana women on Medicaid fraud charges. Kaitlyn Hamilton, 30, along with 49-year-old Kerri Morrison, were arrested for submitting falsified service documents. Additionally, 49-year-old Jennifer Franklin was arrested for submitting time sheets and service logs for a patient she... more »

• 5 arrested after Essen Lane convenience store holdup

  August 31, 2016 2:38 PM

  BATON ROUGE - Five suspects believed to be behind a pair of armed robberies were arrested during a traffic stop on Tuesday. 18-year-old Terry Joseph, 21-year-old Alvin Rogers, 18-year-old Kailia Scott, 19-year-old Signy Ragas and 25-year-old Roidaniell Williams were all booked on armed robbery charges. Deputies said two... more »

• 24 arrested overnight for looting in Livingston Parish

  August 19, 2016 8:14 PM

  LIVINGSTON – The Livingston Parish Sheriff's Office has reported 24 arrests for looting overnight, following the recent flooding and severe weather. Sheriff Ard reminded the public that if anyone is arrested and and found guilty of looting, they can face up to 15 years in jail and a $10,000... more »

• BRPD presence to be increased in North Baton Rouge after looting

  August 16, 2016 3:11 PM

  BATON ROUGE - Mayor Kip Holden announced Tuesday that Baton Rouge Police will maintain a strong presence in areas of the city where looting has occurred after six were arrested overnight. Baton Rouge Police confirmed that a total of six arrests were made in the early morning hours of... more »

• 'Iconic' image of Baton Rouge protests spreads via social media

  July 11, 2016 9:39 AM

  BATON ROUGE - A photo of a protester being detained by Baton Rouge Police over the weekend is spreading via social media with many already calling the image iconic. Jonathan Bachman, a freelance photographer, snapped the picture on Saturday afternoon during demonstrations at BRPD Headquarters on Airline Highway. Hundreds... more »

• 13 arrested in Backpage.com prostitution sting

  July 8, 2016 2:15 PM

  ASCENSION PARISH - 13 people were arrested on prostitution charges Thursday night as sheriff’s deputies carried out a B ackpage.com sting operation. APSO narcotics detectives, Gonzales Police and EBRSO deputies began the undercover operation by contacting several potential prostitutes and arranging meetings with them. Frequently, the services of... more »

• LSP: Trooper who bodyslammed suspect acted appropriately

  June 28, 2016 5:39 PM

  NEW ORLEANS - Louisiana State Police say they fully support the actions of a trooper who bodyslammed a resisting Illinois man in the French Quarter last weekend. They say the officer's use of force was appropriate for the situation that unfolded on Bourbon Street at 4 a.m. The video... more »

• Attorney General to examine arrest of mother for "whipping" her children

  June 24, 2016 1:10 PM

  BATON ROUGE – Attorney General Jeff Landry announced that the Louisiana Department of Justice will be looking into the case of a woman arrested for "whipping" her children after they burglarized a home. Schaquana Spears was arrested on child cruelty charges. According to arrest reports, Spears' 13-year-old child was struck... more »

• 15-year-old girl rescued during human trafficking bust

  June 22, 2016 2:09 PM

  BATON ROUGE - Three people were arrested and a 15-year-old girl was rescued when East Baton Rouge Sheriff's Office deputies busted a human trafficking operation. On June 21 detectives located the girl during the course of an undercover operation with a woman, identified as 22-year-old Jennifer Anselmo, and a man,... more »

• Accused drunk driver insults officers, vomits

  June 20, 2016 1:57 PM

  RIVERSIDE, Ill. - Illinois police said that a woman hurled insults and vomit at officers after she was arrested on suspicion of drunk driving. Hazel Rojas, 44 was pulled over after police said that her Land Rover failed to go through a green light, and then was traveling below the... more »

• Livingston Sheriffs Office seize over $8k in drugs

  June 15, 2016 7:04 PM

  LIVINGSTON - Deputies in Livingston Parish announced multiple drug arrests that took place this week and resulted in $8,500 worth of drugs seized. On Monday, the Livingston Parish Sheriff's Office arrested Deangelo Williams of Denham Springs after deputies learned he was selling drugs out of a motel room in... more »

• LSP report largest child porn seizure in department history

  June 14, 2016 12:56 PM

  BATON ROUGE - Louisiana State Police arrested three subjects in three separate statewide investigations leading to what they say is the largest seizure of child pornography in the history of the department. While executing search warrants, Troopers said they seized more than 800 DVDs, 13 portable storage devices, numerous... more »