Tagged News

• U.S. Small Business Administration visits Ponchatoula ahead of Small Business Saturday Play Video

  November 26, 2025 4:14 PM

  PONCHATOULA - Regional Administrator for the U.S. Small Business Administration Justin Crossie visited a small business in Ponchatoula on Wednesday ahead of Small Business Saturday on Nov. 29. Crossie visited Revival Art House, an art gallery home to over 200 local artists. "Whenever you shop at Revival, you're... more »

• Ponchatoula Chamber of Commerce hosts biannual Ponchatoula Antique Trade Days Arts and Crafts Fair

  November 9, 2025 1:54 PM

  PONCHATOULA - The Ponchatoula Chamber of Commerce held its biannual Ponchatoula Antique Trade Days Arts and Crafts Fair this weekend. The weekend-long event took place from Nov. 7 to Nov. 9 as crowds enjoyed over 200 local and national vendors showcasing diverse selections of antiques, crafts, arts and collectables.... more »

• Ponchatoula man arrested for alleged human trafficking, sex crimes against 2 teenagers Play Video

  November 7, 2025 4:53 PM

  PONCHATOULA — A Ponchatoula man was arrested for alleged human trafficking and sex crimes against two teenagers. The Tangipahoa Parish Sheriff's Office said it was tipped off that 22-year-old Cadarius Mosely, III, had sexually abused and made sexual advances towards two teenagers. Mosely was booked on three counts... more »

• Father and son arrested for dealing drugs near elementary school in Ponchatoula Play Video

  October 29, 2025 8:15 PM

  PONCHATOULA — Tangipahoa Parish deputies arrested a father and son for dealing drugs near an elementary school. According to TPSO, Troy "Jack" Jackson, 49, and his 26-year-old son, Troy Jackson, Jr., were dealing marijuana, synthetic marijuana and liquid opioids out of two Ponchatoula homes, one on East Rateau Road... more »

• Three people arrested for involvement in Ponchatoula shooting Play Video

  October 24, 2025 3:45 PM

  PONCHATOULA - The Tangipahoa Parish Sheriff's Office arrested three people in connection with a shooting that took place on Oct. 15 after an argument broke out at a home in Ponchatoula. A person involved in the argument was shot at while driving away from the residence, while the shooter... more »

• WATCH: NEW footage shows oil reaching 30 miles downriver from Roseland plant explosion Play Video

  September 30, 2025 1:39 PM

  LEE'S LANDING — Drone footage from Lee's Landing south of Ponchatoula shows that oil contamination from August's explosion at the Smitty's Supply plant in Roseland has reached 30 miles downriver. The contamination from the Aug. 22 has made its way down the Tangipahoa River. The chemical contamination is now... more »

• 1 woman still in critical condition, others slowly recovering after Ponchatoula crash injures 9 Play Video

  September 26, 2025 3:45 PM

  PONCHATOULA — One woman is still in critical condition as seven other people slowly recover from injuries sustained in a Ponchatoula car crash on Tuesday, police said Friday. According to Ponchatoula Police Chief Bry Layrisson, Hendi Puerto is still in critical condition in the ICU, three days after she... more »

• Hit-and-run driver accused of injuring 8 in Ponchatoula wreck arrested Play Video

  September 23, 2025 11:01 AM

  PONCHATOULA — A 69-year-old man was accused of causing an accident that hurt eight people, including three children, and lying to police afterward. Ponchatoula Police Chief Bry Layrisson said two trucks and a car collided on U.S. 51 North near St. Patrick's Boulevard on Monday night. Layrisson said... more »

• Man arrested for allegedly running a drug ring across the street from a church

  September 19, 2025 3:38 PM

  PONCHATOULA — Deputies arrested a Ponchatoula man for allegedly running a drug ring across the street from a church. James Rodgers, Jr., 67, is accused of dealing crack laced with fentanyl from a home on South Range Road, across from a local church. The Tangipahoa Parish Sheriff's Office... more »

• Police arrest four suspects accused in Ponchatoula drive-by shooting that left teen dead Play Video

  July 20, 2025 9:56 PM

  PONCHATOULA - Four people were arrested Monday morning after a 17-year-old was killed and two other people were hurt in a Ponchatoula drive-by shooting on Sunday afternoon. The Ponchatoula Police Department said 17-year-old Marvin Wells, another 17-year-old and a 59-year-old were all shot along Lakeside Circle and taken to... more »

• Ponchatoula Police Department asking for help in locating runaway 17-year-old Play Video

  July 11, 2025 4:06 PM

  PONCHATOULA — The Ponchatoula Police Department is requesting the public's assistance in locating a 17-year-old runaway juvenile. Gracie Vincent was last seen in Ponchatoula on July 8, according to the Ponchatoula Police Department. Anyone with information on her whereabouts is asked to contact Detective James McGovern at (985)... more »

• Authorities still searching for Ponchatoula man who hasn't been seen in four weeks Play Video

  June 28, 2025 11:40 AM

  PONCHATOULA — The Tangipahoa Sheriff's Office is asking for the public's help to find a missing Ponchatoula man who was last seen four weeks ago. TPSO says James Wood, 43, was last seen at the La 22 Mart at the corner of Highway 22 and Lee's Landing on Saturday,... more »

• Woman accused of stealing $1,200 in tools arrested after being detained by mounted deputies Play Video

  June 24, 2025 3:02 PM

  PONCHATOULA — A woman was arrested in Ponchatoula over the weekend after she was allegedly caught by mounted deputies stealing during a farming supply store's grand opening. Theresa Pine, 35, was cited for felony theft after the Saturday incident. Pine is accused of walking out of a new... more »

• Ponchatoula man arrested for allegedly setting fire to home with three people inside

  June 20, 2025 10:53 AM

  PONCHATOULA - A man was arrested for his alleged involvement in a March house fire that happened at a home with three people inside. The State Fire Marshals Office said the fire happened on March 5 at a mobile home on East Hoffman Road in Tangipahoa Parish. Three people... more »

• VIDEO: Lightning strike sparks Ponchatoula house fire Play Video

  June 11, 2025 2:39 PM

  PONCHATOULA — A family was displaced after a lightning strike set their home on fire during severe weather on Tuesday night. Nearby resident Luiz Macedo captured video showing the home on Dutch Lane suffering significant damage from the flames. Ponchatoula Fire Department confirmed that all people and pets... more »

• Three arrested in Tangipahoa Parish for separate child pornography cases Play Video

  May 30, 2025 7:17 PM

  AMITE - Three people were arrested in separate child pornography cases, the Tangipahoa Parish Sheriff's Office said. Jimmy Dale Pierce, 47, of Kentwood, was booked on 24 counts of pornography involving juveniles under 13 on May 19; David Bonfiglio Jr., 27, of Tickfaw, was booked on three counts of... more »

• Ponchatoula man accused of selling fentanyl to teen who later overdosed in 2022 arrested

  May 22, 2025 1:48 PM

  PONCHATOULA — A man accused of murder and drug dealing was arrested this week, nearly three years after a 19-year-old died from a fentanyl overdose. In July 2022, Louis Reynier overdosed after taking a lethal dose of fentanyl. After being investigated for a year, the case ultimately went cold.... more »

• Ponchatoula man arrested for child pornography, possession of narcotics Play Video

  May 7, 2025 5:14 PM

  PONCHATOULA - A man was arrested for uploading child pornography, as well as having narcotics and firearms. Tangipahoa Parish deputies say 41-year-old Christopher Parker shared videos of child sexual abuse on a chat app. Detectives determined Parker was the source, they obtained a warrant and searched his residence. ... more »

• Ponchatoula man accused of child porn charges in Tangipahoa Parish, South Carolina arrested

  May 5, 2025 4:11 PM

  PONCHATOULA — A Ponchatoula man accused of possessing child pornography was arrested as a fugitive from South Carolina. Tangipahoa Parish deputies said that 27-year-old Herman Landry IV was arrested Friday on 28 counts of pornography involving juveniles from Ponchatoula, as well as three outstanding child porn warrants from Jasper... more »

• Man wanted on multiple warrants, including assault of officer, arrested after pursuit in Ponchatoula Play Video

  April 19, 2025 4:26 PM

  PONCHATOULA - A man with several warrants out for his arrest, including one for aggravated assault with a motor vehicle on a law enforcement officer, was arrested after a pursuit stemming from a narcotics investigation, Tangipahoa deputies said Saturday. The Tangipahoa Parish Sheriff's Office said 39-year-old Kedrick Carlson was... more »

• Six arrests made in shootings that happened near Strawberry Festival Play Video

  April 18, 2025 10:42 AM

  PONCHATOULA - Six people were arrested Friday following an investigation into a pair of shootings that happened around the Ponchatoula Strawberry Festival that caused the grounds to close early Saturday night. The Ponchatoula Police Department obtained arrest warrants for six suspects Thursday and five residential search warrants for the... more »

• Police identify couple involved in fatal domestic shooting in Ponchatoula

  April 15, 2025 1:49 PM

  PONCHATOULA — Police on Tuesday identified a woman who took her own life after shooting her husband in Ponchatoula. Police said that 60-year-old fast food worker Kevin Stanley was shot by his wife, 47-year-old Cabrina R. Stanley, Monday evening. Ponchatoula Police said they were dispatched around 5:15 p.m.... more »

• One person killed, another hospitalized following domestic shooting in Ponchatoula

  April 14, 2025 8:22 PM

  PONCHATOULA — A woman who went into a Ponchatoula fast food restaurant to shoot her husband took her own life, officials said Monday. Police said that the woman went to the restaurant where her husband worked with a gun. Shortly after, he ran out of the restaurant and she... more »

• Ponchatoula PD makes second arrest in attempted murder, armed robbery Play Video

  April 7, 2025 4:44 PM

  PONCHATOULA - Police officers in Ponchatoula arrested two people accused of a February attempted first-degree murder and armed robbery. The Ponchatoula Police Department said officers searched a home for 20-year-old Jamal Griffin Monday evening. Though he was not found, police reported he was arrested Tuesday morning. Officers got... more »

• Teenager arrested for alleged possession of child, animal pornography Play Video

  February 24, 2025 9:27 AM

  PONCHATOULA - A teenager was arrested for sexual abuse of animals and possessing pornography involving juveniles. In early February, the Tangipahoa Parish Sheriff's Office received a tip from the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children about content uploaded online. The content included pornographic images of children under 13... more »

• Deputies find missing 78-year-old last seen days before Christmas in Ponchatoula

  December 28, 2024 11:18 AM

  PONCHATOULA — Tangipahoa Parish deputies have found a missing 78-year-old man in good health after he was last seen shortly before Christmas in Ponchatoula. Miano did not have a cellphone and deputies said that he recently experienced an accident which may impair his judgment. more »

• Man wanted by Ponchatoula Police for exploiting the sick, credit card fraud

  December 13, 2024 1:12 PM

  PONCHATOULA — Police in Ponchatoula are searching for a man accused of exploiting the sick and credit card fraud. Eric Carson Brumfield, 35, is wanted for exploitation of the infirmed, identity theft and fraudulent acquisition of a credit card. Brumfield, also known as Beano, was last seen driving... more »

• Ponchatoula Police searching for man connected to convenience store theft

  November 7, 2024 1:36 PM

  PONCHATOULA — Police are searching for a man accused of stealing from a Ponchatoula convenience store. The man suspected of stealing from the store was seen on security footage from Oct. 30 and police are searching for him for questioning. Anyone with information is asked to call Det.... more »

• Deputies arrest man wanted for armed robbery, domestic abuse Play Video

  September 24, 2024 10:07 AM

  HAMMOND - Deputies arrested a man wanted for armed robbery and aggravated battery with child endangerment. Eric Jones, 24, of Hammond had warrants for armed robbery with a gun, illegal discharge of a weapons, and domestic abuse with child endangerment, according to the Tangipahoa Parish Sheriff's Office. Deputies... more »

• Ponchatoula school officials respond to reports of 'bat infestation' causing foul smells Play Video

  September 20, 2024 1:26 PM

  PONCHATOULA - Ponchatoula Junior High School parents are raising concerns about a bat infestation on campus. Teachers told WBRZ that there was a foul-smelling odor from the bats and the sound of bat squeaks in the walls. Tangipahoa Parish School Board member Joey Piazza said the problem has been... more »

• Second man arrested in June homicide in Ponchatoula

  July 23, 2024 12:15 PM

  PONCHATOULA - Police have arrested a second man who was allegedly involved in a June 6 homicide . On June 6, the Ponchatoula Police Department responded to a reported shooting on the 500 block of North 3rd Street. A man, later identified as Gregory Harvey Jr., was found with... more »

• One Tank Trips: Ponchatoula Play Video

  July 5, 2024 9:28 AM

  PONCHATOULA - This week on One Tank Trips with Falon Brown, see where one tank of gas can take you and what you can do in Ponchatoula. From alligator swamp tours to an antique district, there's a lot to do within driving distance! Brown spoke with T-Mike Kliebert,... more »

• New truck unveiled at Ponchatoula called 'Swiss Army Knife' of fire trucks

  June 8, 2024 12:17 PM

  PONCHATOULA — The Ponchatoula Fire Department has taken possession of a new vehicle described as the "Swiss Army Knife of a Fire Truck." The supplier of the Rosenbauer fire truck, Bonaventure Fire and Safety, said the truck has a 1,200-gallon water tank plus other features designed to aid firefighting... more »

• 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 »