WBRZ https://www.wbrz.com/ WBRZ Crime Crime en-us Copyright 2023, WBRZ. All Rights Reserved. Feed content is not avaialble for commercial use. () () Fri, 31 Mar 2023 HH:03:ss GMT Synapse CMS 10 WBRZ https://www.wbrz.com/ 144 25 Men wanted for kidnapping, armed robbery after potentially gang-related attack in Darrow https://www.wbrz.com/news/men-wanted-for-kidnapping-armed-robbery-after-potentially-gang-related-attack-in-darrow/ https://www.wbrz.com/news/men-wanted-for-kidnapping-armed-robbery-after-potentially-gang-related-attack-in-darrow/ Crime Wed, 29 Mar 2023 10:15:14 AM WBRZ Staff Men wanted for kidnapping, armed robbery after potentially gang-related attack in Darrow

DARROW - Deputies are searching for two men allegedly connected to an armed robbery and gunfire in Ascension Parish, suggesting that the suspects may be tied to gang activity.

According to the Ascension Parish Sheriff's Office, deputies are searching for Calvin Adams III and Kevin Ross Jr. after law enforcement responded to report of a shooting near Galaxy and Neptune Boulevards in Darrow around 9 a.m. Monday. 

Detectives found multiple spent shell casings and "other evidence" indicating a shooting had happened, but no injuries were reported. No injuries were reported, but deputies learned Adams and Ross allegedly orchestrated a "targeted attack" on a male victim. 

The two men have warrants for their arrests for multiple charges, including attempted first-degree murder, armed robbery, second-degree kidnapping, and patterns of criminal street gang activity. 

Anyone with information about the incident or the men's whereabouts is encouraged to call authorities at (225) 344-7867. 


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Police investigating shooting death of 23-year-old in park off Plank Road https://www.wbrz.com/news/police-investigating-shooting-death-of-23-year-old-in-park-off-plank-road/ https://www.wbrz.com/news/police-investigating-shooting-death-of-23-year-old-in-park-off-plank-road/ Crime Wed, 29 Mar 2023 4:43:04 AM WBRZ Staff Police investigating shooting death of 23-year-old in park off Plank Road

BATON ROUGE - Homicide detectives are investigating a shooting that left a 23-year-old man dead in a park off Plank Road Tuesday morning. 

According to the Baton Rouge Police Department, Troy Williams was found dead from multiple gunshot wounds in a park on Geronimo Street around 10:43 a.m. Tuesday. 

Police said a suspect and motive are not known at this time. 

This is a developing story. 


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Coroner: Nathan Millard's death ruled an accident; cocaine and fentanyl found in his system https://www.wbrz.com/news/coroner-nathan-millard-s-death-ruled-an-accident-cocaine-and-fentanyl-found-in-his-system/ https://www.wbrz.com/news/coroner-nathan-millard-s-death-ruled-an-accident-cocaine-and-fentanyl-found-in-his-system/ Crime Thu, 23 Mar 2023 3:58:26 PM WBRZ Staff Coroner: Nathan Millard's death ruled an accident; cocaine and fentanyl found in his system

BATON ROUGE - The East Baton Rouge Coroner's Office has ruled Nathan Millard's death an accident, attributing it to the combined effects of cocaine, fentanyl and ethanol. 

The autopsy findings released Tuesday seemingly confirmed earlier reports suggesting that Millard died from an overdose after a night of heavy drug use. The presence of ethanol indicated that Millard had also been drinking before his death. 

The report comes less than a week after an arrest warrant revealed Millard was allegedly with two prostitutes — identified as Tabbetha Barner and Tiffany Guidry — when he died at a run-down drug house in old south Baton Rouge. One of those women has since been arrested, with police still searching for the second. 

Police took Guidry into custody Friday, saying that they found her standing on the corner of Nicholson Drive and Terrace Avenue after getting a tip that same morning. 

The allegations against the women were laid out in arrest warrants filed after detectives interviewed Derrick Perkins, an accused drug dealer who was booked last week week on charges related to dumping Millard's body and illegally using the man's debit card.

In that interview, Perkins alleged that he initially picked up Millard and two other people — identified in police documents only as "L.M." and "C" — on Convention Street in the early morning hours of Feb. 23. Perkins said all three were looking for drugs and that they drove around in his car for hours "getting high" on crack cocaine, police wrote in one warrant.

The group eventually stopped at a Circle K gas station on Nicholson Drive a little after 4 a.m., with everyone but Perkins going inside. Perkins explained that Millard had gone inside to get cash from an ATM but walked back to the car and asked Perkins to take him somewhere else because he feared that L.M. and C were trying to "set him up to rob him." Perkins and Millard left the gas station, at which point Perkins claims that Millard told him he wanted a "white girl" and "to go somewhere safe," according to the warrant.

Click here to read about the bizarre, anonymous phone call Nathan Millard's family received after his disappearance

Perkins went on to say that he and Millard first picked up Guidry, alleged to be a known prostitute, in that same area. The three then went to a convenience store on Lorri Burgess Avenue so Millard could withdraw cash before heading to a house just blocks away on that same street. Once there, Millard reportedly told Perkins he wanted more "white girls," prompting Perkins to go pick up Barner from her home.

Once Perkins brought Barner back to the house on Lorri Burgess Avenue, he claims he had to step outside because Millard and the women started shooting up drugs with a syringe, telling police that he cringes when people use drugs intravenously.

"They were all up in there doing that s***. I don't f*** with that s***," Perkins reportedly said during the police interview.

Perkins said all three then asked him to go pick up some miscellaneous items from a nearby store using Millard's debit card, though Millard would not give Perkins his pin and told him to run it as credit. When he came back, Perkins told police he smoked crack cocaine on the front porch while he waited for the three to finish having sex.

At some point after sunrise, Perkins said Barner asked him to go pick up more drugs. When he arrived back at the property on Lorri Burgess Avenue, he claims Barner ran out of the house saying that Millard was dead.

Perkins said Barner would leave and then come back with a brown pack and bottle alleged to be Narcan, a drug used to reverse overdoses, and used it on Millard. Barner reportedly told him that Millard "was alright" and "would be good," but Perkins said the man still wouldn't wake up. After unsuccessfully trying to administer CPR, Perkins said the two women told him he had to "get rid of the body." He claims Barner left at this point.

The accused drug dealer then told police he "panicked" and had Guidry help him roll up Millard in the rug he was lying on when he died. They then loaded the body into the trunk of Perkins' car.

He said they eventually disposed of Millard's body at a vacant lot along Scenic Highway, where the remains were found on March 6. Perkins told detectives that he believed whatever Barner gave Millard is what caused his death, saying that she "uses any drug that is available to her," police wrote.

After disposing of the body, Perkins claims he sold off the car to some unknown men in Baton Rouge's Dixie neighborhood and blamed them for torching the vehicle, which was later found burned not far from where Millard's body was dumped.

When officers later questioned Barner, she claimed she had never met Millard and said that Perkins showed up at her home that morning looking for Narcan. She also claims she tried to go with Perkins to help but that she couldn't because Guidry was already in the front passenger seat of the car and that the backseat was too cluttered to sit down.

Barner told police that she wouldn't see Perkins again until around 11 a.m. that morning when she found him using Millard's card at a convenience store on Highland Road. She alleges she left the store with Perkins and Guidry, reportedly getting in the backseat this time, hoping to "get her fix."

When they arrived at the house on Lorri Burgess Avenue, she claims she never went inside and walked off after realizing that Perkins had no drugs for her. She added that she heard Perkins remark that he had to "go check on dude" and said she later realized it was Millard inside after seeing news reports and hearing about Perkins' involvement from "people in the streets."

Barner and Guidry face charges of prostitution and failure to seek assistance. Guidry was booked on an additional charge of unlawful disposal of remains. 


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Bond revoked for man who went on shooting spree in Livingston Parish, DA says https://www.wbrz.com/news/bond-revoked-for-man-who-went-on-shooting-spree-in-livingston-parish-da-says/ https://www.wbrz.com/news/bond-revoked-for-man-who-went-on-shooting-spree-in-livingston-parish-da-says/ Crime Wed, 22 Mar 2023 7:00:33 PM WBRZ Staff Bond revoked for man who went on shooting spree in Livingston Parish, DA says

FRENCH SETTLEMENT - A man wearing a ski mask and clad in body armor allegedly shot his neighbor before going on a bizarre crime spree across Livingston Parish Wednesday evening. 

Authorities said the gunfire started around 4 p.m. along LA 16 in French Settlement.
The Livingston Parish Sheriff's Office said the suspect, 45-year-old Douglas Maurras, fired several shots at his neighbor, leaving him in critical condition. As of Thursday morning, that person was said to be stable in a hospital.

An eyewitness, who did not want to be identified described what he heard to WBRZ.

"I walked out my door, I went out to driveway and I heard 'bow bow bow.' It sounded like seven gun shots," the eyewitness said.

After shooting his neighbor, Maurras apparently drove north until he reached LA 42, where he shot at a parked work van. He then continued northeast on 42 until he reached Springfield, where investigators believe he followed someone to their home and then fired a single shot at them, missing the victim but hitting their house. 

Maurras left the victim's property and was later captured on LA 444, south of Springfield. When deputies apprehended him, they found the mask and armor that he was reportedly wearing during the attacks.

No other injuries were reported.

It's still unclear why the gunman committed the crimes or whether the attacks were carried out at random.

"We believe Maurras to be the sole suspect & sole person responsible for all incidents," Sheriff Jason Ard said in a statement. 

Maurras was booked into the Livingston Parish Detention Center on two counts of attempted first-degree murder, illegal use of weapons, simple criminal damage to property, criminal trespassing, unlawful use or possession of body armor, and battery of a correctional employee.

His bond was initially set at $800,000, but a judge revoked his bond Friday at the request of the district attorney's office. 


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Man accused of kidnapping woman, forcing her to withdraw money from ATM reportedly has 'extensive' criminal history https://www.wbrz.com/news/man-accused-of-kidnapping-woman-forcing-her-to-withdraw-money-from-atm-reportedly-has-extensive-criminal-history/ https://www.wbrz.com/news/man-accused-of-kidnapping-woman-forcing-her-to-withdraw-money-from-atm-reportedly-has-extensive-criminal-history/ Crime Wed, 22 Mar 2023 7:45:51 AM WBRZ Staff Man accused of kidnapping woman, forcing her to withdraw money from ATM reportedly has 'extensive' criminal history

BATON ROUGE - Police arrested a man accused of kidnapping a woman and driving her to nearby banks, forcing her to withdraw over $1,000 from ATMs. 

Arrest documents from the Baton Rouge Police Department say Alex Sanders, 61, has an "extensive criminal history" reportedly dating back to 1978. 

On the morning of Feb. 3, Sanders reportedly entered a home on Gerlando Drive off Greenwell Springs Road and woke up the homeowner. The homeowner, a woman, told police Sanders was holding a large knife when he woke her up.

He told the woman to give him any money or jewelry she had, and when she said she had none, he forced her to sit in her car while he drove to nearby ATMs and made her withdraw $1,200. 

After receiving the money, police say Sanders drove to a nearby church parking lot and began making sexual advances on the woman, but backed off. 

He then drove to Augustus Street, got out of the vehicle, and left. 

Police records showed that Sanders lived less than 900 feet from the woman's house. 

The BRPD also said that Sanders' criminal history reportedly includes felony theft, armed robbery, and aggravated kidnapped, along with "many other crimes."

Sanders was arrested Tuesday and booked for armed robbery, aggravated kidnapping, and access device fraud. His bond was not yet set as of Wednesday morning. 


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Teenager accused of killing 11-year-old boy, holding family hostage will stay in custody for now https://www.wbrz.com/news/teenager-accused-of-killing-11-year-old-boy-holding-family-hostage-will-stay-in-custody-for-now/ https://www.wbrz.com/news/teenager-accused-of-killing-11-year-old-boy-holding-family-hostage-will-stay-in-custody-for-now/ Crime Mon, 20 Mar 2023 10:30:51 AM WBRZ Staff Teenager accused of killing 11-year-old boy, holding family hostage will stay in custody for now

BATON ROUGE - The 17-year-old accused of killing 11-year-old Matthew Fortenberry after holding him and his family hostage in a car will stay in the juvenile detention center until his next court hearing. 

Kelton Maloid, the teenager who allegedly held the family hostage and killed Fortenberry, was arrested and booked for first-degree murder, four counts of attempted first-degree murder, criminal damage to property, and unlawful discharge of a firearm. 

Bond was not set, and Maloid will stay in custody until his next hearing on April 17. 

Matthew's death was surprising to metro councilman Darryl Hurst. He was getting ready to honor Matthew and his teammates from the Glen Oaks Park Elementary basketball team at this weeks metro council meeting. 

"Because Glen Oaks Park Elementary had just won a championship, the team was excited, the principal was excited," says Hurst. 

Now that ceremony has been put on hold because one of the champions lost his life way too soon. Hurst says at first, he did not know why the ceremony was delayed.

"We were canceling the event. I didn't understand why at that point, I didn't understand that Matthew Fortenbury was apart of the team that was coming," says Hurst.

Hurst says he spoke to Matthew's parents and their pain is unimaginable. 

"I went to the home and I met with the father and I watched him sit in his driveway and just cry and I prayed with him," says Hurst. 

Now, the councilman is working hard to make sure Matthews death is not in vain, asking for an end to violence that has plagued the city's streets.

"We have some activities planned to celebrate Matthew. One of them will be a parade in the community. That will be for the championship teams. And we'll make that apart of a peace walk that we'll do to celebrate the life of Matthew Fortenberry."

District Attorney Hillar Moore told WBRZ he hopes to try the teenager as an adult. 


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Police: Nathan Millard's death blamed on overdose; drug dealer kept body in his car for days https://www.wbrz.com/news/police-nathan-millard-s-death-blamed-on-overdose-drug-dealer-kept-body-in-his-car-for-days/ https://www.wbrz.com/news/police-nathan-millard-s-death-blamed-on-overdose-drug-dealer-kept-body-in-his-car-for-days/ Crime Thu, 16 Mar 2023 11:39:41 AM WBRZ Staff Police: Nathan Millard's death blamed on overdose; drug dealer kept body in his car for days

BATON ROUGE - A man linked to Nathan Millard's disappearance was booked on additional charges after police determined that he was responsible for crudely disposing of the tourist's body after he died from what is believed to have been a drug overdose. 

Derrick Perkins, 45, was booked on several new charges Monday, though none of them suggest that police believe he killed Millard. The Baton Rouge Police Department said in a news release that Perkins dumped the body, which was found wrapped in a rug in an empty lot off Scenic Highway. 

Millard was reported missing in late February after a night in which he attended an LSU basketball game and is believed to have been drinking and walking around the downtown area.

Millard was spotted on surveillance cameras in the early morning hours of Feb. 23, in and around the downtown area as well as the ATM at the Greyhound bus station on Florida Boulevard. 

Newly released police documents say Millard refused help from a security guard at the bus station, with him allegedly telling the worker he was looking for "something to make him feel better" and "a girl to take back to his room."

The documents go on to say an unidentified man introduced Millard to a prostitute and another man who helped him flag down Perkins, a "known drug dealer" who goes by the name "Stanka," for a ride to a property where they could do drugs.

The man and woman later told police that Perkins and Millard took off in the car and left them behind after the four stopped at a Circle K on Nicholson Drive. Police corroborated their story by checking surveillance recordings, adding that this was the last time Millard was seen alive, at roughly 4:20 a.m. Feb. 23.

Several people questioned by police reported that Millard later suffered an accidental drug overdose at a house on Washington Street/Lorri Burgess Avenue, just off Highland Road.

Perkins is then accused of wrapping Millard's body and putting it in the trunk of his car, a blue Toyota sedan, and leaving it there for up to four days until the "odor got too bad," police wrote in investigative documents. 

Millard's body was found rolled in a rug on March 6. Surveillance cameras also caught Perkins' vehicle driving past the lot where the body was dumped roughly 24 hours before it was discovered by a passerby. 

Police also noted that Perkins put his phone in airplane mode — which cuts off the device's access to the cell network — in an apparent effort to hide his location from law enforcement the same day that Millard's body was found. 

Perkins was booked Monday for unlawful disposal of remains, obstruction of justice, simple criminal damage to property and failure to seek assistance. He also faces counts for illegally using Millard's debit card after his death.

A BRPD spokesman said the car that Perkins had been driving was found torched last week. Despite the car being burned, police said a K9 was still able to detect the scent of "human decomposition" in the trunk. 

During a search of the home where Millard reportedly died, which is owned by Perkins, police found a roll of plastic sheeting consistent with the material used to wrap the rug containing Millard's body. 

There was no sign of violence on Millard's body, according to a preliminary autopsy report.  An official cause of death determination is pending a toxicology report at the coroner's office. 


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Sheriff: 16-year-old arrested after high schooler was shot and killed in Ascension Parish https://www.wbrz.com/news/sheriff-16-year-old-arrested-after-high-schooler-was-shot-and-killed-in-ascension-parish/ https://www.wbrz.com/news/sheriff-16-year-old-arrested-after-high-schooler-was-shot-and-killed-in-ascension-parish/ Crime Sun, 12 Mar 2023 1:44:42 PM WBRZ Staff Sheriff: 16-year-old arrested after high schooler was shot and killed in Ascension Parish

DARROW - A 16-year-old was booked for murder after he allegedly killed a high schooler and wounded the victim's brother in a shooting earlier this month.

According to the Ascension Parish Sheriff's Office, the shooting happened on LA 22 in Darrow on Sunday, March 12. Deputies found a teenage boy dead at the scene, and another teenager was taken to a hospital in critical condition.

Law enforcement identified the boy killed as 15-year-old Treylon Brown. Authorities added that Brown's 16-year-old brother is still in the hospital with serious injuries, but his condition was said to be "improving."

The following Friday, the sheriff's office announced the arrest of the suspect but did not release his name due to his age. The teenager turned himself in alongside family members in St. Bernard Parish after detectives identified him as a suspect. He was booked on charges of first-degree murder, attempted first-degree murder, illegal use of weapons, illegal possession of a handgun by a juvenile and aggravated criminal damage to property.

The department said other arrests are possible.

Brown's former recreational football coach Bryford Wilson says he did not deserve what happened to him.

“He was a humble kid, very happy, very mannerable, very respectable. He had a certain leadership quality about him that you just couldn't teach,” Wilson said.

Wilson has known Brown and his family for many years. Wilson says Brown had so much potential.  

“A lot of people don’t know, but he was an avid chess player. So he had the athleticism, he had the brains, and he had the mannerisms to be a very successful man."

A memorial service was held for Brown on Saturday, March 25 at Gloryland Baptist Church.

St. Amant High School released the following statement the morning after the shooting:

Dear Gator Families,

It is with deep sorrow that I must inform you of the death of one of our students Treylon Brown. We are all heartbroken by the tragic loss of this young man.

Our thoughts and prayers are with Treylon and his family during this difficult time. We also offer condolences to his friends and all St. Amant High students and staff members, especially his classmates, teachers, and support staff.

Counselors will be on campus Monday to support our Gator family during this difficult time. If you feel your child needs special assistance, please contact an administrator at 391-6000 or the guidance department at 391-6022.

This is a developing story.


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Teen allegedly held group captive inside car before gunfire erupted; 11-year-old boy killed https://www.wbrz.com/news/teen-allegedly-held-group-captive-inside-car-before-gunfire-erupted-11-year-old-boy-killed/ https://www.wbrz.com/news/teen-allegedly-held-group-captive-inside-car-before-gunfire-erupted-11-year-old-boy-killed/ Crime Fri, 17 Mar 2023 6:39:11 AM WBRZ Staff Teen allegedly held group captive inside car before gunfire erupted; 11-year-old boy killed

BATON ROUGE - A teenager was allegedly holding a car full of people at gunpoint when bullets started flying, leaving an 11-year-old dead and the suspect wounded.

According to the Baton Rouge Police Department, 11-year-old Matthew Fortenberry was shot multiple times on Crestway Avenue shortly before 7 p.m. Thursday. Fortenberry was reportedly sitting inside of a vehicle with several other people when the shooting happened. Fontenberry was taken to a hospital where he later died from his injuries. 

Officers located a 17-year-old who was allegedly involved in the shooting. He was also suffering from gunshot injuries and was taken to a hospital, where he was later arrested for first-degree murder, four counts of attempted first-degree murder, false imprisonment, and illegal discharge of a firearm. 

A BRPD spokesperson released additional details Friday, saying that the teenage suspect had apparently been feuding with the victim's family member and that he was holding a car full of people captive with the intent of drawing that person out. At some point, someone shot the 17-year-old, and the teen started shooting while running away from the car. 

"Next thing you know, there were cops everywhere. It was all taped around my house. We didn't want to go outside," a neighbor said.

One woman says her power went out as soon as they heard the gunshots.

"All of a sudden we heard loud gun shots, the power went out ,and we got on the floor," the neighbor said.

District Attorney Hillar Moore told WBRZ on Friday that he hopes to prosecute the teenage suspect as an adult. The teen is due in juvenile court on Monday.

EBR Schools told WBRZ grief counselors have been at Glen Oaks Park, where Fontenberry went to school, since early Friday morning. 


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Man arrested days after hit-and-run crash that left woman dead in Baton Rouge; bonds out hours later for $330 https://www.wbrz.com/news/man-arrested-days-after-hit-and-run-crash-that-left-woman-dead-in-baton-rouge-bonds-out-hours-later-for-330/ https://www.wbrz.com/news/man-arrested-days-after-hit-and-run-crash-that-left-woman-dead-in-baton-rouge-bonds-out-hours-later-for-330/ Crime Thu, 16 Mar 2023 2:45:28 PM WBRZ Staff Man arrested days after hit-and-run crash that left woman dead in Baton Rouge; bonds out hours later for $330

BATON ROUGE - A 22-year-old man bonded out of jail Thursday on $330 after he allegedly fled the scene of a hit and run over the weekend that fatally wounded a pedestrian.

The Baton Rouge Police Department announced the arrest of Jacob Knazs, 22, on a charge of felony hit and run on Thursday. According to jail records, Knazs bonded out later that day for $330.

The crash happened around 8:45 p.m. Sunday on South Sherwood Forest Boulevard, north of Airline Highway. The victim, identified only as a 32-year-old woman, was found in a nearby parking lot and taken to a hospital where she later died. 

No other details related to the wreck were immediately available.


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Tangipahoa Parish man sentenced to 35 years, chemical castration https://www.wbrz.com/news/tangipahoa-parish-man-sentenced-to-35-years-chemical-castration/ https://www.wbrz.com/news/tangipahoa-parish-man-sentenced-to-35-years-chemical-castration/ Crime Thu, 16 Mar 2023 12:16:03 PM Jonathan Shelley Tangipahoa Parish man sentenced to 35 years, chemical castration

AMITE - A Tangipahoa Parish man has been sentenced to 35 years in prison and will undergo chemical castration following his conviction on charges of rape, molestation of a juvenile under the age of 13 and sexual battery.

Prosecutors with the 21st Judicial District announced the sentence for Ryan Clark, 34, following his guilty plea to four felony charges earlier this month.

That plea came just as a trial was set to begin.

The case dates to July 2020, when the Tangipahoa Parish Sheriff's Office was notified of suspected indecent activity involving Clark and a child.

The victim, investigators said, confided in an acquaintance, who notified the sheriff's office.

Though initially charged with first-degree rape, Clark pleaded to a lesser count of second-degree rape -- along with three other counts -- to avoid trial.

Prosecutors said Clark has a prior conviction for sex crimes with a child. He was sentenced in 2015 to 128 days in jail for that offense.

Clark must register as a sex offender for life following his latest conviction. He will also forfeit any parental rights.


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Argument over clothing led to shooting; man arrested for attempted murder https://www.wbrz.com/news/argument-over-clothing-led-to-shooting-man-arrested-for-attempted-murder/ https://www.wbrz.com/news/argument-over-clothing-led-to-shooting-man-arrested-for-attempted-murder/ Crime Thu, 16 Mar 2023 7:11:49 AM WBRZ Staff Argument over clothing led to shooting; man arrested for attempted murder

BATON ROUGE - Police arrested a man for attempted murder after an argument over clothing led to a shooting. 

According to arrest documents from the Baton Rouge Police Department, Jeffery Williams, 32, is accused of attempted second-degree murder after an argument with another man at a gas station on Sherwood Forest Boulevard Mar. 5.

Police say the victim was at the gas station when Williams arrived and they argued about clothing before Williams grabbed a gun from his car and shot at the victim "one or two times."

The victim was shot in the foot. His girlfriend was also on the scene at the time, and she was able to identify Williams as the alleged shooter. 

Williams was arrested Wednesday on one count of attempted second-degree murder and one count of illegal use of weapons. 


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Police looking for bike-riding carjackers tied to multiple shootings; BR judge's assistant wounded Monday https://www.wbrz.com/news/police-looking-for-bike-riding-carjackers-tied-to-multiple-shootings-br-judge-s-assistant-wounded-monday/ https://www.wbrz.com/news/police-looking-for-bike-riding-carjackers-tied-to-multiple-shootings-br-judge-s-assistant-wounded-monday/ Crime Wed, 15 Mar 2023 1:18:57 PM WBRZ Staff Police looking for bike-riding carjackers tied to multiple shootings; BR judge's assistant wounded Monday

BATON ROUGE - A judicial assistant to Judge Don Johnson was shot during a chance encounter with a pair of gun-toting bicyclists while she was on her way home Monday night, and police believe she's not the only who's been victimized by the same attackers.

The Baton Rouge Police Department told WBRZ the shooting happened around 9 p.m. Monday on North Acadian Thruway. 

The victim was reportedly driving down Acadian when two bicyclists heading east on Bogan Walk tried crossing the street. The woman told police she nearly hit one of the riders, and moments later one of them shot at her vehicle, hitting her in the arm. 

Just minutes later, another driver was shot on N. 44th Street south of Gus Young Avenue, about a mile away from the scene of the earlier shooting. Police believe the same bicyclists shot a man inside a pickup truck and then forced him out of it. The pair then reportedly loaded up their bikes and drove off in the truck, according to police.

Officers later found the truck abandoned, not far from where it was first stolen. 

Judge Johnson said his assistant has since been released from the hospital. 

"She's home now and recovering. I'm asking for the community's prayers and support. I'm thankful it wasn't worse, and can't overstate the importance of holding those responsible accountable," Judge Johnson said in a statement. "We will let the justice system resolve this case, and I'm hoping this is an isolated incident."

The second victim was taken to a hospital, but no other details concerning his condition were immediately available. 

Police have not yet identified any suspects in the shootings. 


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Driver was allegedly on drugs when he hit pedestrian, had to be revived by paramedics https://www.wbrz.com/news/driver-was-allegedly-on-drugs-when-he-hit-pedestrian-had-to-be-revived-by-paramedics/ https://www.wbrz.com/news/driver-was-allegedly-on-drugs-when-he-hit-pedestrian-had-to-be-revived-by-paramedics/ Crime Fri, 10 Mar 2023 9:44:19 AM WBRZ Staff Driver was allegedly on drugs when he hit pedestrian, had to be revived by paramedics

BATON ROUGE - A driver was allegedly high on opioids when he slammed his car into someone and then had to be revived with Narcan so officers could take him into custody after the wreck. 

The crash happened Friday morning near a storage facility on Greenwell Springs, as the victim was unloading vehicles off of a car hauler.  The Baton Rouge Police Department did not release the identity of the victim but noted that they had broken ribs and was at risk of losing their legs. 

Richard Scholtens, 34, was arrested less than an hour later for the crash. His vehicle had stopped in the middle of the roadway and he was unconscious, not breathing, and "lifeless" after an apparent overdose on an opiate, according to deputies.

First responders were able to revive Scholtens before bringing him to a hospital and arresting him. Police noted he had a history of drug arrests and at least two DWI arrests dating back to 2010.

Scholtens was booked for operating a vehicle while intoxicated, first-degree vehicular negligent injuring, reckless operations, hit and run, and operating a vehicle without a license. 


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Man arrested for murder after February drug deal turned into shooting https://www.wbrz.com/news/man-arrested-for-murder-after-february-drug-deal-turned-into-shooting/ https://www.wbrz.com/news/man-arrested-for-murder-after-february-drug-deal-turned-into-shooting/ Crime Mon, 13 Mar 2023 9:53:18 AM WBRZ Staff Man arrested for murder after February drug deal turned into shooting

BATON ROUGE - Police arrested a man for attempted murder after he allegedly shot another man attempting to buy drugs from him in February. 

The Baton Rouge Police Department said it responded to a hospital on reports of a victim with two gunshot wounds on Feb. 25. The man told officers that Edtron Williams, 20, had shot him. 

According to the victim, he had arrived at Williams' apartment at Sherwood Acres off Coursey Boulevard to buy marijuana. He reportedly stayed in his car while Williams went into his apartment to get the drugs, but when he came back out, he had another man with him, yelled at the victim to get out of the car, and shot at the vehicle while they drove away. 

The victim was shot in the leg and the stomach, according to BRPD. His girlfriend was reportedly in the car with him at the time, but she was not injured. 

Williams was arrested Friday for one count of attempted first-degree murder, one count of illegal use of weapons, and one count of criminal damage to property. His bond was set at $300,000. 


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Man booked for murder weeks after victim was found shot to death in BR neighborhood https://www.wbrz.com/news/man-booked-for-murder-weeks-after-victim-was-found-shot-to-death-in-br-neighborhood/ https://www.wbrz.com/news/man-booked-for-murder-weeks-after-victim-was-found-shot-to-death-in-br-neighborhood/ Crime Fri, 10 Mar 2023 3:04:20 PM WBRZ Staff Man booked for murder weeks after victim was found shot to death in BR neighborhood

BATON ROUGE - Police have arrested a man accused of murdering someone who was found shot to death behind a home last month.

The Baton Rouge Police Department said Aaron Young, 42, was arrested Thursday in the killing, which was discovered Feb. 25. At the time, police said James Evans, 48, was found dead behind a house on Progress Street.

Police did not release further details on the investigation. 

Young was booked on charges of second-degree murder, illegal use of a weapon, felon in possession of a firearm and obstruction of justice. 


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Innocent man killed after police chase through Baton Rouge ended in violent crash https://www.wbrz.com/news/innocent-man-killed-after-police-chase-through-baton-rouge-ended-in-violent-crash/ https://www.wbrz.com/news/innocent-man-killed-after-police-chase-through-baton-rouge-ended-in-violent-crash/ Crime Thu, 9 Mar 2023 10:22:38 AM WBRZ Staff Innocent man killed after police chase through Baton Rouge ended in violent crash

BATON ROUGE - A man was killed after a car being pursued by police slammed into his truck at an intersection late Wednesday night.

The Baton Rouge Police Department said the pursuit happened around midnight after a car refused to pull over for officers following a traffic violation on Florida Boulevard near North Acadian Thruway. Police chased the vehicle, a 2016 Nissan Altima, until the car collided with a pickup truck at the intersection of North Acadian Thruway and Fairfields Avenue.

The driver of the pickup truck, 56-year-old Victor Duncan, was taken to a hospital and later died from his injuries. The driver of the car that fled, an unidentified 22-year-old, was also taken to a hospital with serious injuries. 

WBRZ has asked BRPD for the identity of the driver who fled from police. The department said officers were trying to stop the suspect over faulty equipment on the vehicle.

No other details about the chase were immediately available. 

The mayor's office released the following statement Thursday afternoon. 

I have requested a full report from BRPD about what led to last night's pursuit and what can be done to prevent future tragedies. Pursuits should only occur when absolutely necessary and they should not put the public at an unnecessary risk. I ask everyone to please keep Mr. Duncan’s family and loved ones in their thoughts and prayers.


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Nearly 200 parents, students involved in high school brawl that sent officer to hospital; at least 10 arrested https://www.wbrz.com/news/nearly-200-parents-students-involved-in-high-school-brawl-that-sent-officer-to-hospital-at-least-10-arrested/ https://www.wbrz.com/news/nearly-200-parents-students-involved-in-high-school-brawl-that-sent-officer-to-hospital-at-least-10-arrested/ Crime Wed, 8 Mar 2023 8:53:05 AM WBRZ Staff Nearly 200 parents, students involved in high school brawl that sent officer to hospital; at least 10 arrested

BATON ROUGE - Law enforcement officials believe close to 200 students and parents were involved in a massive fight that started in a high school gym and spilled onto the rest of campus, ending with at least 10 arrests.

See videos from the fight here (Warning: Contains violence and explicit language)

WBRZ found a massive police presence at the EBR Readiness Alternative School — formerly the site of Brookstown Middle School — in the aftermath of the fight, as well as deputies picking a gun up off the ground in front of the campus. It was unclear if the weapon was connected to the fight. 

Listen to the moment deputies found the gun

Video shared with WBRZ showed a chaotic scene inside the school's gym, where the brawl apparently started. That footage showed chairs being thrown and multiple students being detained by law enforcement. In one video, an East Baton Rouge sheriff's deputy can be seen striking a student in the face. 

The NAACP released a statement Wednesday saying that representatives spoke to Sheriff Sid Gautreaux and that the agency is reviewing videos from the incident to decide whether deputies' actions were appropriate. 

Read the NAACP statement here

Read the statement from the East Baton Rouge School System here

The Baton Rouge Police Department initially reported about a dozen people were arrested after the fight, including students who were taken into custody for reportedly fighting law enforcement on the scene. The fight allegedly started with a small group of students but escalated into something larger, involving parents as well.

The East Baton Rouge Sheriff's Office has deputies on the campus to serve as school resource officers, and WBRZ has reached out to the sheriff's office for further information. 

BRPD added that one officer was injured in the fight and was taken to a hospital..

WBRZ has also reached out to school officials who say they are working to gather more information and will provide more details as they become available. A witness told WBRZ that the fight started when a girl who was not a student at the school and her mom showed up at the school targeting another girl until it escalated. Faculty reportedly locked students in the gym during the fight.

The East Baton Sheriff's Office released the following statement Wednesday afternoon. 

At 8:15 this morning EBRP School Board Security responded to the Alternative high School (EBR Readiness) in reference to a major campus disturbance involving multiple students and parents fighting in the courtyard outside of the Gym.

Upon arrival, law enforcement observed multiple fights to include approximately 200 students and parents. A deputy working School Board Security Detail called for assistance and additional deputies and officers arrived on scene.

A BRPD officer sustained serious injuries to include a broken hip and head lacerations. A loaded gun was located in a grassy area in front of the school during the altercation.

EBRSO charged 8 individuals: One 17 yo male charged with Battery on a Police Officer, Disturbing the Peace with Force/Violence and Resisting Arrest; five (16 and 17 year olds) charged with Disturbing the Peace by Fistic Encounter, one 18 yo female charged with Unlawful Disruption of the Operation of a School and Resisting Arrest, and one 17yo female charged with Disturbing the Peace and Resisting Arrest.

BRPD arrested 2 individuals: One 17 yo male charged with 2nd Degree Battery of a Police Officer and a 15 yo male charged with Aggravated Battery of a Police Officer.

Pertaining to the video:

The video shows a deputy attempting to restrain a 17-year-old who struck him multiple times and attempted to bite him. All law enforcement on scene was focused on restoring order and maintaining everyone's safety.

A deputy instructed one 17-year-old male student to return to class, at which point the student cursed the deputy and struck him in the face once and pushed the deputy twice. He then approached deputy with a closed fist, at which point the deputy attempted to restrain the 17-year-old by pinning his arms to his side. At that time the juvenile attempted to bite the deputy's hand. The juvenile is charged with Battery on a Police Officer, Disturbing the Peace with Force/Violence and Resisting Arrest.


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Sheriff: Woman murdered by live-in boyfriend during domestic dispute https://www.wbrz.com/news/sheriff-woman-murdered-by-live-in-boyfriend-during-domestic-dispute/ https://www.wbrz.com/news/sheriff-woman-murdered-by-live-in-boyfriend-during-domestic-dispute/ Crime Tue, 7 Mar 2023 3:32:21 PM Logan Cullop Sheriff: Woman murdered by live-in boyfriend during domestic dispute

INDEPENDENCE - A man was arrested Tuesday after allegedly killing his girlfriend.

According to the Tangipahoa Parish Sheriff's Office, 40-year-old Shircreasia Madison was in a fight with her live-in boyfriend, 28-year-old Eric Harrell, when he shot and killed her. 

Deputies arrested Harrell and charged him with second-degree murder, obstruction of justice and felon in possession of a firearm. 

Anyone with information about the incident should call (985) 902-2045. 


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Police: 12-year-old boy arrested, allegedly shot his father after argument https://www.wbrz.com/news/police-12-year-old-boy-arrested-allegedly-shot-his-father-after-argument/ https://www.wbrz.com/news/police-12-year-old-boy-arrested-allegedly-shot-his-father-after-argument/ Crime Mon, 6 Mar 2023 7:05:07 PM WBRZ Staff Police: 12-year-old boy arrested, allegedly shot his father after argument

BATON ROUGE - A 12-year-old was arrested for attempted murder after he allegedly shot his father during an argument at a Baton Rouge apartment Monday.

The shooting was reported shortly after 3 p.m. at the Warwick apartment complex along Jefferson Highway, just south of Corporate Boulevard. The Baton Rouge Police Department said the boy shot his father after a "disagreement" and that the minor ran off before officers arrived. 

The victim is expected to survive. 

Police announced an arrest Tuesday, booking the child on charges of attempted second-degree murder and illegal use of a weapon. The department did not immediately share any other details about what led to the shooting. 


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