WBRZ - Baton Rouge

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• Concealed gun permits could get more protection Play Video

  May 7, 2013 5:55 PM

  BATON ROUGE- A law that would add penalties to anyone who publishes or releases the names of people with concealed carry gun permits got some backing at the Capitol today. The Senate Judicary Committee C voted favorably on HB 8 by Rep. Jeff Thompson (R) of Bossier City. ... more »

• NRA's new president has penchant for bold words

  May 4, 2013 10:41 AM

  HOUSTON - The incoming leader of the National Rifle Association has a penchant for bold statements that are sure to inflame an already explosive national debate over gun control. James Porter assumes the presidency on Monday after the group's national convention wraps up in Houston. The Alabama attorney is currently... more »

• Bill could allow guns in restaurants Play Video

  May 2, 2013 5:41 PM

  BATON ROUGE- A bill making headway in the legislature could allow people to bring weapons into restaurants. The proposed law, authored by Rep. Henry Burns (R-Haughton), has already been approved by the House and is pending a Senate Judiciary hearing. Burns told News 2, the law was originally... 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 »

• More deputies patrol Ascension Parish schools

  April 2, 2013 5:39 PM

  DUTCHTOWN - More Ascension Parish deputies will patrol schools in the district soon. The Ascension Parish Sheriff's Office has extra deputies shadowing current school resource officers as they patrol school buildings, part of a program that will boost the number of deputies watching over students to 16. "Now... more »

• Assault weapons ban won't be in Dems' gun bill

  March 19, 2013 12:52 PM

  WASHINGTON - The Senate's top Democrat says he wants to bring a gun bill to the Senate with enough support to overcome any Republican efforts to block debate. And Harry Reid says that meant leaving out a proposed assault weapons ban. Reid says even using "the most optimistic numbers," there... 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 »

• Lawmaker wants suggestions on school safety

  February 20, 2013 7:41 AM

  BATON ROUGE - A state lawmaker is seeking ideas from educators and parents about ways to improve school safety. Covington Rep. John Schroder leads the House homeland security committee. He's asking people to send their comments to schoolsafetycomments@legis.la.gov. Schroder's committee held a hearing to get suggestions from state education... more »

• Obama to promote his agenda to House Democrats

  February 7, 2013 2:50 AM

  WASHINGTON - President Barack Obama is promoting his second-term agenda to House Democrats, eager to keep them unified as a bulwark against a Republican majority on issues ranging from the economy to immigration to guns. Obama is meeting with Democratic lawmakers Thursday during their retreat in Lansdowne, Va., one day... more »

• Background checks peak in week after Conn shooting

  January 28, 2013 3:55 PM

  WASHINGTON - The FBI says the week following the Newtown, Connecticut, shooting massacre saw the greatest number of background checks for firearms sales and permits to carry guns conducted within a one-week period since 1998. The FBI says the second highest week was when President Barack Obama announced sweeping plans... more »

• Lawmakers discuss school security Play Video

  January 17, 2013 5:51 PM

  BATON ROUGE- Louisiana Legislators are trying to figure out the best ways to keep children safe in school, following last months massacre at Sandy Hook Elementary that left 20 children dead. The Homeland Security Committee met for hours at the Capitol to discuss ways to improve security and look... more »

• Panetta defends Obama's gun control package

  January 17, 2013 6:42 AM

  VICENZA, Italy - Defense Secretary Leon Panetta says he doesn't understand why anyone outside the military needs assault weapons or armor-piercing bullets. During a visit with U.S. troops in northern Italy on Thursday, Panetta defended President Barack Obama's sweeping gun control package. A soldier asked Panetta what steps... more »

• Gun owners react to Obama proposals Play Video

  January 16, 2013 6:15 PM

  DENHAM SPRINGS- After President Obama proposed sweeping changes to gun laws dozens of people flooded BJ Pawn to purchase weapons and accessories they think could be outlawed. Carl Tanner was buying one of the hottest items, high capacity ammunition clips. "I'm picking up some mags for my guns,... more »

• Arrests made after guns stolen from deputies' vehicles

  January 11, 2013 4:41 PM

  WALKER - Deputies arrested several people recently in connection with the theft of guns and other items from two law enforcement units in Walker. Spokesperson Lori Steele with the Livingston Parish Sheriff's Office said on Jan. 7 investigators arrested Joseph Baldwin, 26, after finding his DNA at the crime... more »

• Guns for protection is topic at meeting Play Video

  January 9, 2013 9:11 AM

  BATON ROUGE- The top four guns for personal protection was the topic at the Ronald Reagan Newsmaker luncheon. Former Baton Rouge Police Chief Greg Phares and coroner Beau Clark took part in the discussion. East Baton Rouge Parish Republican Party Chairman Woody Jenkins says the meeting was a... more »

• Livingston Parish Sheriff's car burglarized

  January 4, 2013 1:15 PM

  LIVINGSTON - A burglar broke into a Livingston Parish Sheriff's car, stealing weapons and other items. The sheriff's office says it happened in the early hours of January 2, 2013. Investigators say detectives are still conducting an inventory of the stolen items. Anyone with information on this... more »

• Ascension Parish burglary suspect surrenders

  January 2, 2013 10:44 AM

  PRAIRIEVILLE - A Prairieville man sought in connection with the theft of $30,000 in jewelry and guns from an Ascension Parish home has been arrested and returned to the parish from Georgia. According to the sheriff's office, 32-year-old Shane Medine surrendered to authorities in Gwinnett County, Ga., and arrived at... more »

• NY woman arrested in connection with slaying of two

  December 28, 2012 2:15 PM

  WEBSTER, N.Y.- Police say a 24-year-old woman has been charged in connection with the ambush slaying of two volunteer firefighters responding to a house fire in upstate New York. New York State Police Senior Investigator James Newell says Dawn Nguyen, of Rochester, faces a state charge of filing a falsified... more »

• NRA: Public wants armed guards in every school

  December 23, 2012 10:27 AM

  WASHINGTON - National Rifle Association executive Wayne LaPierre says the American people think it would be "crazy" not to put armed guards in every school, as the group has suggested in the wake of the massacre at an elementary school in Newtown, Conn. LaPierre also contends that any new efforts... more »

• Connecticut shootings sparks gun control debate in Baton Rouge

  December 16, 2012 9:44 AM

  BATON ROUGE- Jim's Firearms in Baton Rouge was packed Saturday. The popular gunshop even ran out of of parking spaces. "There's just a wide variety of people that come in here and here different things or read it on the internet. Kinda come in half cocked and don't know... more »

• 2 arrested for hold-up where victims were shot

  December 13, 2012 9:36 PM

  BATON ROUGE- Two people have been arrested, accused of a string of armed robberies- including one where people were shot. Khristian George and Diondre Handy, both 19-years-old, were picked-up by Baton Rouge Police. The pair face charges for several robberies in the Tigerland area. "In most of the... more »

• CABL opposes proposal to limit gun restrictions

  October 11, 2012 3:57 PM

  BATON ROUGE - The nonpartisan Council for A Better Louisiana is opposing a constitutional amendment that would set a tougher standard for restricting the use of weapons and remove a provision that gives the Legislature explicit authority to limit concealed handguns. CABL announced its opposition to the amendment Thursday. Nine... more »

• EBR School Board to focus on violence

  September 27, 2012 10:23 PM

  BATON ROUGE - The East Baton Rouge Parish School Board will add school violence to their strategic plan. This comes after a Glen Oaks High School Student pulled a gun on another student during school. A task force formed last year will revisit the idea of metal detectors... more »

• Feds: Ky. man held after running Obama roadblock

  September 26, 2012 4:42 PM

  LOUISVILLE, Ky. - An eastern Kentucky man has been detained by federal authorities after allegedly running through a roadblock while carrying multiple firearms during President Barack Obama's visit to the Cincinnati region this month. A federal criminal complaint unsealed in Covington on Wednesday says Kerry T. Prater of West Liberty... more »

• Chase leads to arrests, 5 guns

  May 10, 2012 3:49 PM

  NEW ORLEANS - A brief police chase ended with the arrest of three New Orleans men and the seizure of five guns. Neighbors called police around 7 p.m. Wednesday to report gunfire and that the men shooting the guns fled into a white car with Mississippi plates. During the subsequent... more »

• EBR students could face random gun searches

  April 6, 2012 10:22 AM

  BATON ROUGE - East Baton Rouge Parish students could be subjected to random, school-wide searches for guns if some school administrators have their way. At a meeting Thursday, EBR School officials discussed regular sweeps where all students would be searched for guns and other weapons at randomly selected schools.... more »

• Residents upset over violent video portraying life in Gardere Play Video

  March 26, 2012 4:06 PM

  BATON ROUGE- Another video featuring the street life in Baton Rouge surfaced on the internet over the weekend. It claims to portray life in "Gardere." "This is a Glock," a man in the video said. "I got 30 in this (expletive). I ain't playing." The video shows several... more »

• Guns In Schools airs tonight at 10 Play Video

  February 27, 2012 1:57 PM

  BATON ROUGE - News2's Chris Nakamoto spoke to Juvenile Court Judge Kathleen Richey about the growing problem of students bringing firearms into the classroom and how she presides over the cases. Watch the full story tonight at 10 p.m. more »

• Gun stores see more sales after double murder Play Video

  February 22, 2012 6:02 PM

  GONZALES - A gun shop owner in Ascension Parish says a recent double murder is on the minds of most of his customers. Irwin Marchand and stepson Doug Dooley were killed inside a home on Babin Road over the weekend. Irwin's wife, Shirley, survived the attack but she remains... more »

• BRPD: Two caught with synthetic marijuana, guns

  January 13, 2012 6:14 PM

  BATON ROUGE - Narcotics investigators seized drugs and guns from a man and a woman today after a months-long undercover investigation in Baton Rouge. Cpl. L'Jean McKneely said officers arrested Joseph Do and Sang Vu after raiding the Friendly Food Mart on Florida Boulevard today. He said officers... more »

• People exchange guns for gas

  November 19, 2011 5:05 PM

  BATON ROUGE - Hundreds of people turned in their unwanted guns for gas coupons during the second "Gas for Guns" exchange in East Baton Rouge Parish. People anonymously dropped off weapons at two churches in the city-parish between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m., and received a gas card worth... more »

• Gas for Guns in EBR Play Video

  November 18, 2011 11:48 AM

  BATON ROUGE - The second "Gas for Guns" exchange in East Baton Rouge Parish is scheduled to begin Saturday morning. People can anonymously drop off weapons at two churches in the city-parish between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m., and receive a gas card worth between $50 and $300 depending on... more »

• EBR District Attorney talks about Gas for Guns program Play Video

  November 17, 2011 12:42 PM

  East Baton Rouge District Attorney Hillar Moore spoke with John Pastorek Thursday morning about the governor's child protection order, the Gas for Guns program, and how communities can resolve conflicts peacefully. more »

• Gas for Guns

  November 2, 2011 6:19 PM

  BATON ROUGE - After a successful campaign in 2010 resulting in 260 guns including 12 assault rifles taken off the streets, city leaders are offering gas cards for guns again. This time up to $300 is available depending on the caliber of the weapon. Local Circle-K stores teamed up... more »

• Special Report: While You Were Sleeping

  October 31, 2011 10:21 PM

  BATON ROUGE- Police say a three-week sting targeting guns and drugs was a success. The goal was to dent violent crime numbers across the city by going after what officers believe is its root. In the first 20 days of September, eight people were murdered, and two others... more »

• Hot Dogs with a Side of Guns

  October 14, 2011 7:46 PM

  A hot dog vendor in San Jose, California offered undercover federal agents more than a meal. Jose Ortiz was busted on charges of selling guns from his hot dog stand. His partner, Guillermo Castillo, was also arraigned in federal court on weapons charges. Authorities say the agents bought a sawed... more »

• School Zone Safety

  August 10, 2011 6:11 PM

  BATON ROUGE - School officials,and Baton Rouge police want you to slow down. School zone speed limits are in effect. Police will be shooting radar throughout the city cracking down on speeders. This morning, at least ten tickets were issued in one school zone. School zone times... more »

• Guns on campus bill rejected

  June 1, 2011 5:55 PM

  BATON ROUGE- A state House committee defeated another bill which would allow concealed carry holders to bring firearms on a Louisiana college campus, rejecting it with an 8-3 vote. State Rep. Ernest Wooten, I-Belle Chasse, has attempted to get similar bills through the legislature for several years, arguing that... more »

• Bill to allow concealed weapons on campus stalls

  June 1, 2011 2:37 PM

  BATON ROUGE - A Belle Chasse lawmaker's proposal to allow college students to carry concealed handguns on campus has been rejected by a House committee. Rep. Ernest Wooton, an independent from Belle Chasse and chairman of the Administration of Criminal Justice Committee, said his bill would help preserve the... more »

• EBRSO arrests two for guns and drugs

  May 10, 2011 12:23 PM

  BATON ROUGE - East Baton Rouge Sheriff's Office Narcotics detectives say they arrested a man and woman at 9932 Elliot Road Monday with drugs and guns. Detectives searched the residence and found 383 grams of marijuana, two digital scales, a 9mm assault rifle, a 9mm pistol and $208. Cortina Richardson,... more »

• Narcotics Arrest

  February 17, 2011 7:48 PM

  BATON ROUGE- A man is behind bars after investigators searched his house and found drugs and weapons. Agents had been following 30-year-old Eddie Turner before searching his home and finding several guns, illegal drugs, and close to $1,500 in cash. Turner was booked into East Baton Rouge Parish... more »

• Victim of Walker home invasion says incident was a nightmare

  November 8, 2010 10:06 PM

  WALKER - The victim of a home invasion in Walker told News 2 the incident was a nightmare. The victim, known as “Jimmy,” said he was surprised to find out 17-year-old Wade Riddle was allegedly involved because Jimmy said the two have hung out together. According to Jimmy, Riddle has... more »

• BR authorities offer gas for guns

  October 11, 2010 5:36 PM

  Officials in Baton Rouge announced the start of a new program this morning aimed at getting guns off the streets of the city-parish. Authorities will hold a "Gas for Guns" buyback on Oct. 23 at four churches around East Baton Rouge Parish. People who bring in qualifying weapons will receive... more »

• Tax free weekend for hunters starts today

  September 3, 2010 4:57 PM

  If you like the outdoors, this weekend is your chance to stock up on items you need. The second annual tax free weekend for hunters started today and continues through Sunday. Retailers are offering everything from guns and ammo to clothing and ATV's with no taxes. Bowie Outfitters said... more »

• New laws take effect Sunday

  August 14, 2010 10:01 AM

  Harassing a teenager by e-mail or Facebook, smoking an herbal mixture called "synthetic marijuana," and selling urine to help circumvent drug screening tests can land a person in jail beginning Sunday. More than 650 new laws take effect with the start of the week - including a grab-bag of... more »

• La. bishops: No guns in Catholic churches

  July 20, 2010 7:25 AM

  Concealed handguns won't be allowed in Louisiana Catholic churches, despite a new state law allowing them. Louisiana's Roman Catholic bishops discussed the issue when reviewing bills, and decided that if it became law they would tell pastors that concealed handguns would not be allowed in Catholic churches. The law allows... more »

• Concealed guns allowed in church under new law

  July 7, 2010 5:54 PM

  The person in the pew next to you could be packing heat. Under a new law signed by Governor Jindal, concealed guns are allowed in church with the spiritual leader's consent. News 2's Luke Margolis got answers on why those looking to carry may find that approval hard... more »

• Kagan on Guns: Court precedents are "settled law"

  June 29, 2010 10:41 AM

  Supreme Court nominee Elena Kagan, says she is considering recent decisions to expand gun rights to be "settled law". Kagan was asked about the decision by the high court, which guarantees citizens Second Amendment rights to have guns, no matter where they live. more »

• Justices extend gun owner rights nationwide

  June 28, 2010 10:26 AM

  The Supreme Court has come down on the side of gun rights, ruling today that the Second Amendment restrains the government's ability to significantly limit "the right to keep and bear arms." In a 5-4 vote, the justices also signaled that less severe restrictions could survive legal challenges. ... more »

• Guns in church bill dies in Senate committee

  June 8, 2010 1:50 PM

  A Senate committee has shot down a bill that would have allowed concealed weapons to be carried inside churches. The bill, which had passed the House in a 74-18 vote, found no support in a Senate judiciary committee Tuesday. The measure by Rep. Henry Burns, R-Haughton, would have... more »

• Guns claim kids' lives in both urban, rural areas

  May 24, 2010 5:33 AM

  A new study finds that children in America's most rural areas are as likely to die by gunshot as kids in the biggest cities. Murders involving guns are more common among city youth, but gun suicides and accidental fatal shootings are more common among rural kids. Dr. Michael Nance of... more »

• Drug arrest in St. Mary Parish

  May 7, 2010 7:21 AM

  Deputies in St. Mary Parish made a drug bust in Bayou Vista. Eduardo Garcia faces a variety of charges including possession of marijuana, cocaine, Xanax, and illegal possession of a gun. Narcotics agents searched his home where they allegedly found the drugs, an AK-47 Rifle, and cash. Garcia remains in... more »

• Uncle and nephew arrested after argument

  April 27, 2010 9:22 AM

  Assumption Parish deputies arrested an uncle and nephew in Labadieville after a fight. It happened around 4:40 p.m. Monday on Violet Street. Deputies say they were responding to a fight between two females when they got a second call that two men were exchanging gunfire. Deputies say Ricky Washington and... more »

• DA's office talks about guns in schools

  March 25, 2010 1:41 PM

  Tonight at 6pm on News 2, we talk with District Attorney Hillar Moore about the reaction from parents to recent cases involving guns in our schools, and what can be done to hold other parents accountable. DA Moore tells me while there are no laws on the books that... more »

• Seven guns found in EBR schools

  February 10, 2010 6:36 PM

  Since the beginning of this school year, at least seven guns have been found on East Baton Rouge Parish public school campuses. Five were spotted by students and four were found loaded. Officials credit students with the ability to find the guns. "You have students that are coming... more »

• Rapper "Lil Boosie" gets one year in prison

  September 23, 2009 5:58 AM

  Baton Rouge rapper Torrence "Lil Boosie" Hatch will serve at least one year in prison after pleading guilty to a third-offense marijuana possession charge. Hatch will be on active supervised probation for two to five years after he is released from prison. Last year, East Baton Rouge Parish... more »

• Burress gets 2 years in prison

  September 22, 2009 9:32 AM

  Former Super Bowl star Plaxico Burress gets 2 years in prison for a New York City nightclub gun incident.   The former New York Giants wide receiver will be supervised for two years after his release. Burress pleaded guilty last month to attempted criminal possession of a weapon. He expects to... more »

• Second Amendment sales tax holiday

  September 4, 2009 4:40 AM

  The state second amendment sales tax holiday starts today. People buying guns, bullets, and other items will not pay any taxes through Sunday. That saves about nine-cents for every dollar spent depending on where you shop. It applies to any item that could be used for hunting or fishing, including... more »