WBRZ - Baton Rouge

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• Woman accused of locking kids outside for days Play Video

  May 20, 2013 3:03 PM

  BAKER - Police arrested a Baker woman accused of locking her four daughters out of their home for at least three days. Baker Police arrested Danielle Kinchen, 25, of 4330 Jefferson St. on May 16 for child desertion charges. Investigators said a witness told them they saw the... more »

• APSO: Former Voodoo player caught with marijuana

  April 25, 2013 2:52 PM

  GONZALES - Authorities arrested a former arena league football player on suspicion of drug and weapons charges after they said he was caught with marijuana in Ascension Parish. Around 3:30 p.m., Ascension Parish Sheriffs narcotics detectives, DEA agents and Baton Rouge City narcotics detectives arrested Brian Coulter, 27, in the... more »

• Task force: Drug "big timer" busted, 100 lbs. of pot taken Play Video

  April 11, 2013 4:16 PM

  BAKER - Police said they broke the back of a large drug operation Thursday. Three people were arrested and about 100 pounds of marijuana was seized along with other drugs and guns. Chief Mike Knaps said narcotics officers arrested Lawrence LeBlanc, Stefanie Davis, and Elzy Hollis on several... more »

• Infant twins die of positional asphyxia

  April 10, 2013 10:37 PM

  BAKER- Two infants died of positional asphyxia, according to East Baton Rouge Coroner Dr. Beau Clark. Clark said the infants were swaddled and placed in a crib with thick bedding, and rolled over. Positional asphyxia happens when the body moves and doesn't allow enough air for breathing. ... more »

• Baker to upgrade city's natural gas pipelines

  April 10, 2013 8:37 AM

  BAKER - The Baker City Council has approved a bid for a project in the works for more than 20 years to upgrade some of the city's natural gas pipelines. Mayor Harold Rideau says the city has been trying to secure funding since 1990 to upgrade some natural gas pipelines... more »

• Woman arrested after shooting at birthday party

  April 9, 2013 12:28 PM

  BAKER - Police arrested a Baker woman after they said she shot another woman in the leg during a heated argument at a birthday party. Chief Mike Knaps said officers arrested Brittany Washington after she shot Tricia Hayes Monday night, shattering a bone in Hayes' leg. Investigators said... more »

• Baker man arrested after drive by shooting

  April 9, 2013 12:20 PM

  BAKER - Baker Police arrested Chavis Demond Duncan Jr. in connection with a shooting which happened Friday night. Chief Mike Knaps said Duncan was involved in a drive-by shooting at 630 Myrtle Street. He said Duncan shot at the driver of a nearby SUV who was dating his ex-girlfriend.... more »

• Baker police arrest suspect in Popeye's robbery

  April 3, 2013 11:41 AM

  BAKER - Police arrested 19-year-old Laurance Kevin Scott Wilson in connection with an armed robbery of a Popeye's Fried Chicken restaurant in Baker. The robbery took place on March 9 at the Popeye's located at 1940 Main Street. Police say two black men entered the restaurant and took... more »

• Police find "elaborate" marijuana grow during roundup

  March 7, 2013 2:26 PM

  BAKER - Police said they found an "elaborate" marijuana growing operation inside a Baker home during a warrant roundup this morning. Chief Mike Knaps said officers arrested Clinton Pullen III in suspicion of possessing and cultivating marijuana after they found the plants and setup at his home. Knaps... more »

• Student accused of threatening to shoot others

  March 7, 2013 2:13 PM

  BAKER - Police arrested a Baker teen after they said she threatened to bring a gun to school and shoot several students. Chief Mike Knaps with Baker Police said officers arrested the 16-year-old girl in suspicion of disturbing the peace and terrorizing. Knaps said his officers were called... more »

• Drugs, weapons seized from home in Baker

  March 6, 2013 11:15 AM

  BAKER - Police said loud music helped narcotics agents in Baker make a major drug bust this week. Chief Mike Knaps said on Tuesday officers arrested Travis Barton, 28, after they found drugs, guns and cash in Barton's home and car. Knaps said officers had been investigating Barton... more »

• Price of gas could impact Baker Police Department Play Video

  March 1, 2013 5:54 PM

  BAKER - Fast-rising gas prices hit small town police departments so hard, some place are having trouble keeping cops on the road. Baker Police has 35 units and filling them up is starting to break the bank. The department's gas budget is $160,000, and 75 percent of that has... more »

• Needed work, coming to Baker High Play Video

  February 22, 2013 5:14 PM

  BAKER - The Baker School Board voted to use reserve cash for extensive repairs to Baker High School. Over $4 million will be funneled into the school for renovations. The money will be used to repair the football stadium, replace old windows, and do work on the roof of... more »

• Police arrest one, seize drugs and guns in search

  February 22, 2013 11:56 AM

  BAKER - Police arrested one person and seized guns and drugs during an early-morning search today in Baker. Police Chief Mike Knaps said investigators arrested Calvin Stewman at a residence on Greenwood Lane in suspicion of marijuana possession and having drugs and guns. Knaps said agents served a... more »

• Baker Council renews waste services contract

  February 13, 2013 7:55 AM

  BAKER - The Baker City Council has renewed its solid waste services contract and entered into a new agreement with its waste service company to provide recycling carts to residents who recycle household trash. The current contract with BFI Waste Services LLC, doing business as Allied Waste Services of Baton... more »

• Baker Amnesty Program Play Video

  February 5, 2013 6:02 PM

  BAKER- City officials in Baker are urging you to pay your fines or you could find yourself behind bars. The Baker Police Department, is giving people with outstanding bench warrants until the end of the month to pay up before being locked up. It's part of an amnesty... more »

• 'Cookie Monster' sends 2nd note in sculpture theft

  February 4, 2013 12:55 PM

  BERLIN - Police in Germany say someone dressed as the Cookie Monster has sent a second note regarding a stolen cookie sculpture - this time saying he wants to return it. But officials aren't sure the person in the photo actually stole the 44 pound, century-old sculpture. The gilded bronze... more »

• Former DARE officer faces theft charges

  January 31, 2013 8:52 AM

  BAKER - A former sergeant from Baker is in custody, accused of theft and malfeasance in office. State police arrested Jason Doyle Wednesday, after allegations against Doyle surfaced regarding his time as a Drug Abuse Resistance Education and school resource officer for the Baker Police Department. Officers found... more »

• Baker warrant amnesty program

  January 31, 2013 7:31 AM

  BAKER - People who have had arrest warrants issued against them in Baker City Court may take advantage of an amnesty program during February to avoid unexpectedly winding up in jail. City Court Judge Kirk A. Williams says people who have not responded to summonses to appear in court, paid... more »

• Baker tornado damage tallied

  December 13, 2012 2:25 PM

  BAKER - A tornado that ripped through Baker on Monday damaged at least 87 homes and other buildings, city officials say. The hardest-hit area appeared to be a residential section on South Magnolia Drive and Cypress Drive. The tornado crossed Louisiana Highway 19 and traveled through several neighborhoods before moving... more »

• Baker residents survey damage after tornado Play Video

  December 10, 2012 6:09 PM

  BAKER - No one was hurt when a tornado passed through Baker just before 7 a.m. today, but there was plenty of damage left to be cleaned up. The National Weather Service has confirmed an EF1 tornado caused a four-mile long swath of damage. Kay and Ken Berthelot own... more »

• Baker tornado confirmed, shelter opened

  December 10, 2012 4:03 PM

  BATON ROUGE - The National Weather Service confirmed that damage in Baker this morning was caused by a tornado. The NWS report said the damage was consistent with an EF 1 tornado. They said it touched down on U. S. Hwy 61, and its damage path ended four miles... more »

• Storm damage reported across the area

  December 10, 2012 10:30 AM

  BATON ROUGE - News 2 has received many reports of storm damage in the capital region after severe weather moved through this morning. The entire WBRZ viewing area remained under a tornado watch until 11 a.m. today. Parish officials reported serious damage throughout Ascension Parish. The entire front... more »

• Property owners shell out hundreds more for CATS Play Video

  December 6, 2012 5:12 PM

  BATON ROUGE - Property tax assessments are going out in East Baton Rouge Parish, and owners living in the city limits of Baker and Baton Rouge can expect much larger overall contributions compared to years past. To see what you owe, click here . In the Riverbend neighborhood... more »

• Teen, mother and sister arrested for thefts

  December 6, 2012 3:53 PM

  BAKER - Police arrested a mother and her two teenage children in connection with a series of burglaries which happened recently around Baker, then said they had to re-arrest one of the kids after they posted threatening messages on the internet. Police Chief Mike Knaps said on Monday detectives... more »

• Three arrested in Baker narcotics investigation

  December 6, 2012 3:50 PM

  BAKER - Narcotics agents in Baker arrested three people after they said an investigation and traffic stop turned up hundreds of pills and thousands in cash. Agents arrested John McKneely, Keirsten McKneely and Tiawanga McKneely of Baker earlier this week. Bake Police Chief Mike Knaps said the agents... more »

• Christmas parades - Dec. 8, 9

  December 6, 2012 3:17 PM

  BATON ROUGE - Here's a list of Christmas parades happening around the greater Baton Rouge area this weekend. Baton Rouge Police especially warned people heading downtown for the Kiwanis parade to consider taking alternative exits from the interstate than the Government exit, which they said backs up every year.... more »

• Jetson Center for Youth making changes Play Video

  November 1, 2012 5:24 PM

  BAKER - Jetson Center for Youth celebrated their third annual "Celebration of Change" today. The event recognized progress in education and transformation of youth at Jetson. Louisiana Juvenile Justice has implemented a therapeutic model for care of their youth. The new model is providing academic instruction to the facilities... more »

• "Embarrassing" mistake almost led to no taxes Play Video

  October 29, 2012 4:16 PM

  BAKER - Residents in Baker almost didn't have to pay property taxes to the city this year after a paperwork mistake. The Baker City Council met today for an emergency meeting to clear up the mess. Some council members called it "embarrassing." Mayor Harold Rideau said new guidelines... more »

• Suspect's handgun fell apart during armed robbery

  October 15, 2012 9:57 PM

  BAKER- A 19-year-old faces charges, accused of an armed robbery where a pair of fast food employees were targeted. According to police, Chavis Duncan followed the workers on Seville Street and blocked them with his vehicle where he robbed them. Investigators said he took several hundred dollars. In... more »

• Baker family temporarily homeless due to fire Play Video

  October 8, 2012 4:26 PM

  BAKER - A fire which started from an exploding car battery left a Baker family temporarily homeless. The fire happened Sunday in the 3600 block of Harding Street. Investigators said it started in a shed next to the house, when a newly-purchased 2005 BMW's battery exploded. The fire... more »

• Baker family loses everything to fire

  October 8, 2012 10:44 AM

  BAKER- A fire in Baker this weekend left five adults and two children homeless. The fire happened Sunday in the 3600 block of Harding Street. Firefighters said it started in a shed, then spread to the house. The fire destroyed the buildings, as well as two cars on... more »

• Baker begins cleanup after Isaac rips off auditorium roof Play Video

  August 30, 2012 5:25 PM

  BAKER - Wind from Isaac blew the roof off the Baker Civic Center last night. City leaders told News 2 it took them by surprise, but they've already started to pick up the pieces. This morning they met to discuss how to repair the building, which is used for... more »

• Baker issues curfew for Hurricane Isaac

  August 28, 2012 2:34 PM

  Baker Mayor Harold Rideau and Police Chief Mike Knaps have issued a declaration to the citizens of Baker that as of 8 p.m. today there will be until 8 a.m. This measure applies to motorists and pedestrians on city streets. The curfew will exempt medical, public works, city... more »

• Youth detention center director quits amid questions over escapes and alleged police chase

  August 3, 2012 2:44 PM

  BAKER- Daron Brown has resigned as director of the Jetson Center for Youth. Brown's resignation comes amid scandal after two inmates escaped and an alleged police chase down I-10. Brown claimed to be chasing a car with the two escapees inside, days after their escape, but they ended... more »

• More controversy at Jetson Play Video

  August 2, 2012 6:12 PM

  BAKER - A guard at the Jetson Center for Youth claims she was attacked by a student, but there are questions about her story. The Louisiana Office of Juvenile Justice spokesperson says there is an ongoing investigation, but early results indicate the assault did not happen. Sources at... more »

• Accused killer jailed after breaking bond Play Video

  July 20, 2012 6:24 PM

  BATON ROUGE- A man accused of killing Josh Weathersby, 19, in Baker last summer, is back in jail after break his bond agreement. Derrick Lucas was arrested for burglary on Tuesday and shortly after a judge decided he should stay in jail until his murder trial. Lucas had another run-in... more »

• Accused murderer arrested for burglary while on bond Play Video

  July 19, 2012 6:11 PM

  BAKER- Police arrested Derrick Lucas, 18, Tuesday afternoon for burglary, while he was wearing a court-ordered GPS monitoring device. Lucas was charged with murdering Josh Weathersby in August of last year, but court records show he was released on a combination surety and property bond in November. Court... more »

• Baker "ankle-monitor" arrest raises questions

  July 19, 2012 10:56 AM

  BAKER - A burglary arrest is raising questions, after Baker Police said one of the suspects is also accused in a murder and was wearing an ankle monitoring bracelet at the time of his arrest. Baker Police arrested Derrick Lucas in connection with a burglary on Balm Street in... more »

• Murder suspect arrested with two others for burglary

  July 18, 2012 6:46 PM

  BAKER - Police said one person arrested in connection with a recent home burglary in Baker was a murder suspect out of jail on bond, wearing an ankle monitoring bracelet. Chief Mike Knaps with Baker Police said Derrick Lucas, who was accused of a 2011 murder in Baker, was... more »

• Homes sought for animals seized in Central

  June 14, 2012 10:40 AM

  BATON ROUGE- East Baton Rouge Parish Animal Control officials are trying to find homes for dozens of animals found at a Baker residence. Earlier this week, 43 animals were seized by investigators from the house of an alledged hoarder. The owner of the home, Cindy Browning, signed ownership... more »

• Baker PD: Shooting suspect lay in wait for targets

  May 31, 2012 12:43 PM

  BAKER - Police released a photo today of a teen they said lay in wait for a group of juveniles in Baker, then shot at them earlier this week. Chief Mike Knaps with Baker Police said they are looking for Greg Anthony Morris Jr., 18, of Baton Rouge in... more »

• Baker woman charged in shooting death

  April 26, 2012 6:54 AM

  BATON ROUGE - A Baker woman has been indicted in the January shooting death of another woman. An East Baton Rouge Parish grand jury charged 38-year-old Kolande Williams with second-degree murder Wednesday in the death of 31-year-old Kimberly Stewart. A second-degree murder conviction carries a mandatory sentence of... more »

• Meth lab cleanup, who pays

  April 20, 2012 10:21 AM

  BAKER - Two people were arrested for cooking meth in Baker and your tax payer dollars paid for the cleanup. The after affects of criminal behavior may be more costly than you think. News 2's Sarah Rosario gets answers tonight on News 2 at 5 p.m. more »

• Baker woman killed in crash

  March 26, 2012 11:10 AM

  BATON ROUGE- A woman from Baker was killed and a man was hurt after a crash Monday morning. Ashley Bethley, 24, was killed after she lost control of her vehicle on Louisiana Hwy 19 near Blount Road. Police say Bethley lost control of her car after she tried... more »

• Classes go on in high performing school districts

  March 14, 2012 3:56 PM

  ZACHARY - It was business as usual at schools in high achieving school districts today, despite a rally at the Capitol to oppose Governor Jindal's education plan. Zachary school leaders pride themselves on being the best. Banners hang from their schools that say Zachary is the number one school... more »

• Baker teen arrested for shooting at football game

  March 9, 2012 11:32 AM

  BATON ROUGE- A 17-year-old accused of shooting someone during a high school football game last year was arrested. Timothy Harrison, who was attending Baker High School at the time, is accused of shooting someone in the arm Sept. 30 while in the parking lot of Memorial Stadium. The... more »

• Family: I-110 Gunman was victim's best friend Play Video

  March 4, 2012 9:25 PM

  BATON ROUGE - The family of the Baker man shot to death on I-110 says the accused gunman, Jerome Fort, was his best friend. Tamika Williams says when she heard 22-year-old Fort was the suspect in her boyfriend, Silas Gibbs', murder- she was shocked. She says, "They were... more »

• Woman booked on molestation counts

  February 22, 2012 8:45 AM

  BAKER- Police have arrested a 43-year-old woman accused of molesting a juvenile boy at a Baker group home. Baker Police Chief Mike Knaps tells The Advocate Cynthia Haynes of Baton Rouge was booked into Parish Prison Monday on five counts of molestation of a juvenile. Knaps said Haynes was accused... more »

• Lawmaker proposes breakaway school district in EBR

  February 9, 2012 1:16 PM

  BATON ROUGE - As the East Baton Rouge Parish school system struggles to find a superintendent to replace John Dilworth, it's also facing the possibility some schools will break from the system to form a new school district. Senator Bodi White of Central says he will introduce legislation to... more »

• Murder suspect arrested after being on the run

  January 31, 2012 8:23 AM

  BAKER - The third suspect accused of killing a 43-year-old man last July has been arrested after being on the run. Baker Police arrested Kaitlin Brandon last night after investigators tracked her from Houston to Baton Rouge. Terry Jones, Demarcus York, and Kaitlin Brandon are accused of killing... more »

• Baker woman shot and killed Saturday morning

  January 14, 2012 2:05 PM

  BAKER - Police are investigating a fatal shooting in Baker that happened late this morning. Officials found the victim's body at 3305 Sandy Drive just before noon. Baker Police Chief Mike Knaps said detectives caught 38-year old Kolande Williams in a lie. She apparently told them, she arrived... more »

• Police: Arson suspect set home on fire with kids inside Play Video

  January 13, 2012 6:09 PM

  BAKER - Authorities arrested a man after they said he set fire to a Baker home while his children and ex-girlfriend were still inside. Chief Mike Knaps with Baker Police said Bobby Lee Turcuit was arrested Thursday night in suspicion of aggravated arson, after investigators caught him outside the... more »

• Baker water meters spur complaints

  January 3, 2012 5:57 AM

  BAKER, La. (AP) - After years of using city-supplied water without giving much thought to the cost, some residents are keeping a closer eye on their utility bills now that the city has installed residential water meters for the first time in its history. Mayor Harold Rideau tells The Advocate... more »

• Dispute over fire coverage, funding Play Video

  December 30, 2011 5:15 PM

  BATON ROUGE- Baker Fire Chief Danny Edwards says he was given an ultimatum by the District 1 Fire Protection Board. He was told to take less money for help covering Northwest East Baton Rouge Parish or receive none of the tax money from that area. Baker did not accept... more »

• UPDATE: Baker sides with neighbors Play Video

  December 27, 2011 4:27 PM

  BAKER - People are fighting a plan tonight to store pipes near homes in Baker. Stupp Corporation wants to store pipes in the former Renaissance Village, a place where Hurricane Katrina evacuees lived in FEMA trailers. If the plan is finalized about two dozen semis would travel every... more »

• Four fires in over a week under investigation for arson Play Video

  December 12, 2011 10:31 PM

  BATON ROUGE- Four fires, in a week and a half, across the Capital area, are under investigation and could be criminal. The State Fire Marshal's Office says suspicious fires and arsons have gone up almost 30% since Spring and it's costing taxpayers, homeowners and business owners millions. The... more »

• Police closely investigating fire called in by child

  December 12, 2011 12:07 PM

  BAKER - Police say they are closely investigating a fire today called in by a child over the weekend, saying her mom was lighting their house on fire. Baker Fire Department arrived on scene Saturday to find light smoke inside the home. Firefighters and Baker Police forced their... more »

• Baker mom suspected in attempted Arson

  December 10, 2011 10:39 AM

  BAKER, La- Fire officials are investigating a blaze allegedly started by a Baker mom. According to the Baker Fire Department, the woman's child called around midnight Saturday and said her mom was lighting their house on fire. When firefighters arrived at the home on the 1000 block of... more »

• Victim identified in fatal car wreck

  November 23, 2011 9:27 AM

  The victim of a deadly car accident has been identified. Cory Clark, a 29 year old man from Baker died yesterday afternoon in a traffic crash that occurred around 2:50pm in the 10700 block of Hwy 19 and Blount Rd. Police say Clark lost control of his vehicle... more »

• Suspect charged in Baker murder investigation

  November 9, 2011 3:21 PM

  Police in Baker have charged a teenager for obstruction of justice in a murder investigation. Police arrested 17 year-old Alyssa Brandon had been in direct contact with the victim, Abelardo Pampo. Pampo's body was discovered in a little league baseball park in the early morning of July 28,... more »

• Former Baton Rouge Fire chief dies

  November 8, 2011 4:37 PM

  BATON ROUGE - Former Baton Rouge Fire Chief Thomas Woods died at Baton Rouge General Hospital this morning after a lengthy illness, according to the Baton Rouge Fire Department. He was 76. Chief Woods was the first African-American to serve as chief of both the Baton Rouge and Baker... more »

• Families look for homes after apartment fire

  November 6, 2011 4:29 PM

  More than 24 people are looking for a new place to stay after a fire tore through the an apartment complex in Baker. According to the Baker Fire Department, the fire stayed mostly in in one unit at the Sycamore Estates but there was some smoke and water damage... more »

• Baker daycare to be shut down

  November 4, 2011 5:17 PM

  BAKER - Ms. Gerry's After-School Service has until the end of the day Monday to appeal the state's decision to pull its license. The Department of Children and Family Services plans to shut the daycare down because it found licensing regulations like child-to-staff ratios broken repeatedly. In one... more »

• Fines, suspensions given for HS football brawl

  October 25, 2011 3:22 PM

  BATON ROUGE - The state athletics association suspended 17 players and issued $1,000 fines to Parkview Baptist and Baker high schools for their actions in a fight that ended last Friday's football game early. The Louisiana High School Athletics Association issued the fines and suspensions after a morning-long sportsmanship... more »

• Large grass fire burning near Baker

  October 20, 2011 12:39 PM

  A large grass fire is burning at Blount Road and Highway 19 near Baker. Baton Rouge fire fighters are trying to get it under control. The smoke plume can be seen from miles away. Investigators don't know yet what started the blaze. more »

• Officials reviewing video of high school football brawl

  October 17, 2011 6:26 PM

  BATON ROUGE - There could be more fallout after a brawl ended the football game between Baker and Parkview last Friday night. Cell phone video provided to News 2 shows a tackle near Parkview's bench started the brawl, and ultimately cost both teams the game. Parkview was up 22... more »

• Child, 2, found by himself on Baker streets

  October 4, 2011 5:32 PM

  BAKER- A family learned a lesson in parenting the hard way, after Baker Police found their 2-year-old boy roaming the streets alone. Investigators say the boy got out of the house while his mother's boyfriend, Kenneth Johnson-Dyer, 23, was supposed to be watching him, but fell asleep. Police... more »

• Baker 911 memorial for fallen heroes

  September 8, 2011 5:43 PM

  BATON ROUGE - City officials in Baker held an early memorial at the fire station Thursday to mark the 10 year anniversary of September 11th. Fire chief Danny Edwards said the purpose of the memorial was to remind people to never forget. "It's not just about the firemen.... more »

• Neighbor fed up by barking dog

  August 30, 2011 5:31 PM

  BATON ROUGE - Carl Moore isn't an insomniac, but he believes the dogs next door that keep him awake night after night may be. What's more, he has the paperwork to prove it. Moore says they bark all night, and he's kept pages and pages of logs to show... more »

• Police identify Baker shooting victim

  August 25, 2011 5:28 PM

  BAKER - Police have identified the man found shot to death this morning in Baker. Chief Mike Knapps said Joshua Troy Weathersby, 19, of Baker was found this morning lying in the wood line just west of the railroad tracks off Ray Weiland Drive. Knapps said Weathersby appears... more »

• Playground dangers due to heat

  August 24, 2011 6:55 PM

  BAKER - The heat is on, and some surfaces you may not think twice about can be blisteringly hot. Safety experts say any surface above 120 degrees can burn your child's skin, which can include any outside surfaces that get direct light like playground equipment and seats. The... more »