Tagged News

• Ponchatoula man arrested for rape, video voyeurism

  December 4, 2023 1:18 PM

  PONCHATOULA - After a day-long search, deputies arrested a man for rape and video voyeurism. The Tangipahoa Parish Sheriff's Office said 40-year-old Damien Gaston of Ponchatoula is accused of filming sexual encounters with women and distributing the videos. No more information on the accused crimes was released. more »

• Four arrested in Tangipahoa burglary spree investigation

  June 27, 2023 4:52 PM

  TANGIPAHOA PARISH - Deputies have arrested three juveniles and one adult in connection with two dozen recent vehicle burglaries between Hammond and Ponchatoula. A call on Sunday morning led to the arrests. Tangipahoa Parish deputies responded to Tangi Lakes Drive off West Pleasant Ridge Road and found the foursome... more »

• Ponchatoula hopes community efforts will allow beloved gator to stick around Play Video

  February 9, 2023 7:07 PM

  PONCHATOULA – Concern about the fate of a 65-year-old alligator is stirring up a Tangipahoa Parish city. In a post on Facebook, Mike Kliebert, the owner of Hardhide the alligator, wrote that the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries has said the gator has to go or face being... more »

• Outside review requested following WBRZ report showing rape victim ordered to pay abuser child support Play Video

  June 14, 2022 5:07 PM

  PONCHATOULA - A corruption watchdog told WBRZ Tuesday he's requesting an outside law enforcement entity to come in and review the case where a rape victim was ordered to pay her perpetrator child support. Less than 24 hours after the WBRZ Investigative Unit aired the story, District Attorney Scott... more »

• Private ditch that provided drainage filled in, neighbor now worried over flooding issues Play Video

  January 27, 2022 3:47 PM

  PONCHATOULA - There's a disagreement between a couple of neighbors in Tangipahoa Parish and one of them says his parish council won't let him come speak to air out his grievances. For over half a century, Lielf Windecker has called his property in Ponchatoula home, but a few years... more »

• Zachary to face Ponchatoula in Louisiana high school football state championship Play Video

  December 10, 2021 5:47 AM

  NEW ORLEANS - High school football fans are preparing for Saturday's game at Caesar's Superdome, where Zachary will face off against Ponchatoula in the LHSAA football championship. All tickets are general admission and will be in the plaza level of the Superdome. Advanced ticket sales will be $19.00... more »

• State Police: Ponchatoula woman killed in Tuesday night crash

  November 17, 2021 1:02 PM

  PONCHATOULA - A 42-year-old woman from Ponchatoula was killed in a Tuesday night crash on LA Hwy 42, Louisiana State Police say. According to troopers, Danielle McCroy was headed north on Ridgdell Road in a Toyota Tundra shortly before 9 p.m. when she drove past a stop sign without... more »

• City of Ponchatoula unveils 'Blessing Box' to help those in need

  August 11, 2021 11:03 AM

  PONCHATOULA - As many struggle with pandemic-related financial issues, one community in Louisiana has developed a unique way to discreetly support those impacted by food insecurity. In downtown Ponchatoula, a small pantry has been set up just outside of City Hall. It's called a "Blessing Box" and citizens... more »

• Sheriff: Body found along I-55 Tuesday had likely been there for a month

  July 6, 2021 1:33 PM

  HAMMOND - A body found in a grassy area along I-55 in Tangipahoa Parish likely went unnoticed for weeks, officials said. The Tangipahoa Sheriff's Office reported the body was found in the median by a crew cutting grass near the S Morrison Boulevard exit. The sheriff's office said in... more »

• Town-wide manhunt ends with suspect's arrest in Ponchatoula

  April 9, 2020 6:11 PM

  PONCHATOULA - An overnight hunt for an escaped inmate came to an end Thursday. Police said they caught up with Eric Davis after a search that began Wednesday. Davis was arrested with help from area law enforcement agencies. Neighboring Livingston Parish sent the sheriff's office helicopter to assist,... more »

• Strawberry Festival postponed from rescheduled date; New details coming in May

  March 13, 2020 7:40 PM

  PONCHATOULA - The annual Strawberry Festival in Tangipahoa Parish was once again rescheduled amid the COVID-19 situation, though this time, organizers did not reveal a date for the festival. Originally scheduled for the first weekend of April, the festival was moved to May in the early days of the... more »

• Social media-fueled chaos leads to fights, arrests at high schools - Superintendent begs for parents to set kids straight

  October 23, 2019 5:19 PM

  AMITE – An unprecedented 48 students either face criminal charges or academic discipline after a chaotic two days at high schools in Tangipahoa Parish. Thirty-two students were involved in two sets of fights at Independence High School Tuesday and Wednesday, which prompted a lockdown, sheriff’s office response and arrests.... more »

• Man sentenced to 99 years after conviction in incest case

  October 21, 2019 5:53 PM

  PONCHATOULA - A man was sentenced to 99 years in the Department of Corrections over three years after he was arrested for first-degree rape charges which were later changed to charges for aggravated crimes against nature. Malcolm Chester was 32 at the time of his arrest for first-degree rape... more »

• Strawberry Festival goes nearly smoke-free in 2020 after town bans smoking

  February 12, 2019 11:01 AM

  PONCHATOULA – Riding a wave of smoking bans across the region, this town known for its popular Strawberry Festival banned smoking in public places this week. The city council approved a ban at its meeting Monday night. Come May 12, smoking will be banned in places like bars,... more »

• Woman killed by falling tree during intense wind from storm system

  December 27, 2018 3:22 PM

  PONCHATOULA - A 58-year-old woman died as a result of the severe weather experienced late Wednesday and Thursday. Roxanne Kliebert, 58, was killed when a tree fell through her camper trailer on Sister's Road, outside of town, around 11 p.m. Wednesday. Deputies said the fire department tried to rescue... more »

• $25 million bond set for man State Police say was found with more than 1,000 child porn files

  December 5, 2018 4:17 PM

  PONCHATOULA – An unheard-of $25 million bond was set for a man federal agents said possessed an exorbitant amount of child pornography. Edd Scafidel, Jr., 59, was charged with more than 1,000 counts of possession of pornography involving juveniles. Details of his arrest were released Wednesday afternoon. Investigators... more »

• Special needs child dies after incident at care center; Police investigating Play Video

  September 13, 2018 2:05 PM

  UPDATE: Police say the child has been taken off life support and has passed away. The investigation is ongoing. PONCHATOULA – Local police are investigating an incident that put a special needs child on life support this week. Ponchatoula Police said a 3-year-old boy confined to a wheelchair... more »

• Arrests made after WBRZ report on group home issue Play Video

  July 31, 2018 6:38 PM

  PONCHATOULA- Law enforcement arrested two women amid a criminal investigation into alleged mistreatment of a special needs man from Livingston Parish. The women, Latricia Johnson and Tykeisha Berry, were both charged with cruelty to the infirm, principle to second-degree battery and criminal conspiracy. The arrests come after a WBRZ... more »

• Ponchatoula continues decades-long tradition of flying huge flag Play Video

  July 4, 2018 6:46 PM

  PONCHATOULA - As has been the case for the last 30-something celebrations of the country's independence, a huge flag flew over Ponchatoula Wednesday. “It’s quite a magnet for the community,” said Mayor Bob Zabbia. Dozens of people gathered in downtown to watch the giant flag go up. ... more »

• Increased security at Tangipahoa Parish schools after threat focused on high school

  February 19, 2018 10:34 AM

  PONCHATOULA – Heavy law enforcement was seen on the campus of the high school here Monday morning after a threat was made overnight. The threat, circulated on social media, was the second to force a scare at an area school district as school returned for the week. Also Monday,... more »

• Strawberry farmers try to save crop amidst freezing temperatures Play Video

  January 16, 2018 12:24 AM

  PONCHATOULA - Farmer Eric Morrow is hoping for the best as temperatures drop below freezing in the coming nights. "The plants will make it but the fruit may not if temperatures go down to 19 degrees as predicted," said Morrow. If the crop is lost, prices for Louisiana... more »

• Doctor accused of sexual misconduct won't be prosecuted, district attorney says

  December 15, 2017 12:58 PM

  PONCHATOULA – The district attorney won't take a local doctor to trial over allegations of sexual misconduct. Dr. Gregory Allen was arrested earlier in the fall on one count of sexual battery and two counts of misdemeanor sexual battery. At the time, authorities only said the crimes were committed... more »

• Two killed in early morning crash on Interstate 55

  October 18, 2017 3:04 PM

  PONCHATOULA- Two people were killed in a two vehicle crash on the elevated section of Interstate 55 early Wednesday morning. The crash claimed the lives of 78-year-old Earl J. Daigle and 73-year-old Anna Nimon. Louisiana State Troopers say, the crash occurred when Daigle was driving his 2002 Ford... more »

• Police: Man arrested for wearing mask, carrying samurai sword in bar

  October 16, 2017 4:10 PM

  PONCHATOULA – A man was arrested for wearing a mask and holding a samurai sword in a bar after a disagreement with another patron, police said in a news release Monday. Shawn Verret was charged with illegal carrying of weapons, wearing a mask in a public place, terrorizing and... more »

• Four teenage attempted robbery victims arrested; allegedly lied to police

  September 13, 2017 5:42 PM

  PONCHATOULA - Four teenage attempted robbery victims were arrested after allegedly lying to police about details surrounding the incidents, according to Ponchatoula Police Department officials. Ponchatoula PD officials said they responded to a call from 18-year-old Nicholas Hanford of Ponchatoula, around 9:45 p.m. on August 18. Hanford allegedly told... 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 »

• Video captures massive house fire; Neighbors start clothing drive after blaze

  July 4, 2017 11:17 AM

  PONCHATOULA – Neighbors spent the 4th of July holiday gathering items for a family who lost everything when their home was burned to a shell of brick. Fire crews worked for hours battling the blaze in the Landing neighborhood, east of the Tangipahoa River about six miles from downtown... more »

• WANTED: Burglary circuit making its way across Hwy. 22 Play Video

  June 12, 2017 12:37 PM

  PONCHATOULA – Sheriff's deputies here are investigating a rash of at least 55 burglaries along a wide stretch of Highway 22. Burglars have hit areas on either side of I-55 since last week. Monday, sheriff's deputies released surveillance video they hope will help find the suspects. On the... more »

• State Police expect heavy traffic for Ponchatoula Strawberry Festival

  April 7, 2017 11:46 AM

  PONCHATOULA – The annual Ponchatoula Strawberry Festival this weekend is expected to bring more than 300,000 visitors to the area and Louisiana State Police are reminding drivers of alternate routes. State Police says that the increased traffic surrounding the interstate causes dangerous backups from heavily congested off-ramps and forcing... more »

• Prison van crash closes I-55 south of Ponchatoula

  April 6, 2017 7:46 AM

  MANCHAC – I-55 southbound was closed to traffic due to a crash south of Ponchatoula Thursday morning. According to DOTD, the crash happened near mile marker 17 near Manchac just after 6 a.m. Thursday morning. Officials say traffic is being diverted onto US 51. WWLTV reports a prison... 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 »

• Man using stovetop for heat found dead in Ponchatoula

  December 8, 2016 7:28 PM

  PONCHATOULA – Fire investigators say a man trying to use his kitchen gas stove for heat died in a fire Thursday. Will Foster Jr., 66, was found dead in the kitchen of his West Street home around 9 a.m. Thursday, according to the state Fire Marshal's office. Fire... more »

• Couple's daughter finds mom shot, dad dead in attempted murder-suicide

  October 28, 2016 4:32 PM

  PONCHATOULA - Police here spent Friday investigating a suspected attempted murder-suicide. Police said Jamey Edwards, 41, shot his wife before shooting himself inside their home on East I-55 Service Road. The woman, Crystal Hope Moore, survived the shooting. Jamey Edwards died, police told the Hammond newspaper, Daily Star. ... more »

• 19-year-old found shot in the head in Ponchatoula

  August 21, 2016 2:02 PM

  PONCHATOULA - A 19-year-old was found shot in the head by family members and police are looking for leads in the case. The murder was reported Sunday, although it happened Friday, news partner ActionNews17.com posted on its website. The unidentified male was found on Methvin Drive when family members... more »

• Police catch man stealing from cars at auto shop

  May 9, 2016 5:25 PM

  PONCHATOULA - Police arrested a man after they say they caught him burglarizing vehicles at a car shop in Ponchatoula. A passerby called police after they saw the man burglarizing the cars, our news partner Action News 17 reports . When officers arrived, they found Bradley Sharp, 22, still... more »

• In Ponchatoula this weekend, it's a strawberry celebration

  April 8, 2016 11:29 AM

  PONCHATOULA - This quiet small town becomes one of the state's largest cities this weekend, as more than a quarter-of-a-million people converge on southern Tangipahoa Parish for the annual Strawberry Festival. Billed as the state's largest free festival, festival-goers will be welcomed with strawberries of all shapes and sizes... more »

• Engineers to talk about U.S. 51 construction plans Tuesday

  April 4, 2016 3:42 PM

  PONCHATOULA - Traffic engineers will discuss a widening project for a busy thoroughfare that connects Ponchatoula and Hammond in southern Tangipahoa Parish Tuesday. Plans are already part of an environmental assessment. An environmental assessment is the first major step toward a construction project. The state hopes to widen... more »

• How do they make those Gold Brick Eggs? Play Video

  March 25, 2016 6:16 PM

  PONCHATOULA - Just in time for Easter, relive the exclusive tour inside Elmer Chocolate in Tangipahoa Parish. In 2013, WBRZ got a rare opportunity to go inside the facility in downtown where candy is made and shipped. Outside of Valentine’s Day, candy for Easter is a huge seller for... more »

• Ponchatoula residents return home, salvage what they can following historic flood Play Video

  March 15, 2016 12:13 AM

  BATON ROUGE - Some Tangipahoa residents returned home Monday night for the first time since historic floodwaters infiltrated their homes Friday. People in on Ponchatoula neighborhood began salvaging what they could and assessing the damage. At least half of the 70 homes in the subdivision were damaged by high water.... more »

• 'Citizen rescue' unit dispatches to southeast Tangipahoa for flood rescues Saturday Play Video

  March 12, 2016 5:21 PM

  PONCHATOULA - Families and farm animals were rescued from rising water east of downtown by good Samaritans Saturday. Water was approaching some homes and had already inundated property along N. Thibodeaux Road. Water at the corner of N. Thibodeaux and Sibley Road, about two miles south of I-12, was... more »

• Ponchatoula man accused of sending 2,400 files of child porn to undercover agent

  December 15, 2015 4:44 PM

  PONCHATOULA - Sheriff’s deputies reported the arrest of a man accused of distributing 2,400 images of child pornography to a Plaquemines Parish undercover detective. Stephen James Chupko, 30, was arrested Tuesday morning at his Ponchatoula home by members of the Louisiana Attorney General’s Office Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC)... more »

• Ponchatoula woman arrested after shooting boyfriend with assault rifle

  November 25, 2015 1:11 PM

  PONCHATOULA - Sheriff’s deputies in Tangipahoa Parish reported the arrest of a Ponchatoula woman accused of shooting her boyfriend in the stomach with an assault rifle late Tuesday afternoon. 32-year-old Winter Flowers was booked into the parish prison on one count of second degree aggravated battery. While deputies were... more »

• No passengers hurt after train hits 18-wheeler

  November 3, 2015 5:08 PM

  PONCHATOULA - Authorities said no one was hurt after a passenger train and 18-wheeler collided Tuesday afternoon in Tangipahoa Parish. The collision happened on US 51 at I-55 around 3 p.m. according to the Tangipahoa Parish Sheriff's Office. State Police are on the scene assisting the sheriff's office,... more »

• Man arrested after leading police into Ponchatoula during high speed chase

  November 3, 2015 12:36 PM

  PONCHATOULA - State Police say they have taken a man into custody after he led troopers on a high speed chase near Ponchatoula early Tuesday. State Trooper Dustin Dwight told WWL-TV that 42-year-old Keith Wood's vehicle was disabled near the intersection of 3rd and East Pecan streets, which is... more »

• Arrests made in connection with disappearance of Ponchatoula man

  October 23, 2015 2:12 PM

  HAMMOND - Sheriff’s deputies in Tangipahoa Parish say two arrests have been made in the disappearance of a Ponchatoula man. WWL-TV reports 27-year-old Joshua Orso and 40-year-old Bryan Barnes have been arrested booked on one count of negligent homicide each in the apparent overdose of 29-year-old Seth Landry. ... more »

• Alabama man killed as SUV flips into water near Ponchatoula

  October 13, 2015 7:13 PM

  PONCHATOULA - Troopers said an Alabama man died Tuesday morning after his vehicle ran off US 51 south of Ponchatoula and became partially submerged in water. According to the Louisiana State Police, 25-year-old Ryan Guidroz, of Foley, AL, was traveling southbound on US 51 in a Chevrolet Tahoe at... more »

• Hammond man arrested in connection with Saturday shooting

  September 16, 2015 11:40 AM

  BATON ROUGE - The Attorney General's Office says investigators have arrested a Hammond man in connection with a shooting that hospitalized a man last weekend. 26-year-old Lamarkcus Green was wanted by the Hammond Police Department for attempted murder and car theft. Investigators say Green is suspected of shooting... more »

• Longtime state lawmaker Dennis Hebert dies

  September 14, 2015 11:31 AM

  BATON ROUGE - Longtime state lawmaker Rep. Dennis Paul Hebert passed away on Friday, according to his family. Hebert, who was from Ponchatoula but lived in Baton Rouge later in life, was 88 years old. Hebert served in the legislature as a Democrat for 24 years. He represented... more »