Tagged News

• Port Allen man arrested for allegedly possessing child pornography

  December 14, 2025 10:29 AM

  PORT ALLEN - The West Baton Rouge Parish Sheriff's Office announced on Sunday that a Port Allen man was arrested following an investigation by detectives with the Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force. According to the sheriff's office, detectives opened an investigation following a tip they received from the... more »

• Port Allen home severely damaged in fire caused by space heater Play Video

  December 8, 2025 4:33 PM

  PORT ALLEN — A home in Port Allen caught fire due to an electric space heater, the West Baton Rouge Fire Department said Monday. The fire department said a family lived in the home, but no one was injured. Photos show severe damage to much of the house.... more »

• Baton Rouge woman arrested for allegedly abandoning two young children at a motel Play Video

  December 5, 2025 12:35 PM

  PORT ALLEN - A woman was arrested on Tuesday after allegedly abandoning her two young children in a motel room, according to the West Baton Rouge Parish Sheriff's Office. Deputies responded to a local motel after two young children, a 4-year-old and an 11-month-old, were found alone inside a... more »

• Funeral held for former West Baton Rouge Parish Sheriff Mike Cazes in Brusly Play Video

  November 28, 2025 11:32 AM

  BRUSLY - The funeral for former West Baton Rouge Parish Sheriff Mike Cazes took place on Friday at the St. John the Baptist Catholic Church in Brusly. Cazes served five terms as the chief law enforcement officer for West Baton Rouge Parish and worked at the local sheriff's office... more »

• Work ramps up on next phase of Intracoastal Bridge replacement in Port Allen Play Video

  October 21, 2025 5:42 PM

  PORT ALLEN — Drivers on La. 1 have been experiencing busier-than-normal commutes as the Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development makes progress on the next phase of the Intracoastal Bridge replacement project. The southbound span opened to drivers late last year, marking a major milestone in the long-awaited project.... more »

• TEAM 2 TRAFFIC: I-10 eastbound fully reopens between Lobdell Highway and La. 1 after crash

  October 9, 2025 9:38 AM

  PORT ALLEN — One lane was closed on I-10 eastbound after a car crash in West Baton Rouge Parish on Thursday morning. The left lane was closed between Lobdell Highway and La. 1 after the crash, which was reported around 8:30 a.m. By 9:10 a.m., the road had... more »

• Port Allen woman killed in crash in West Baton Rouge

  October 6, 2025 6:10 PM

  BATON ROUGE - A Port Allen woman was killed in a two-vehicle crash in West Baton Rouge on Monday. Janet Tchorlian, 80, was killed when she allegedly ran a stop sign while entering an intersection and was struck by another vehicle on the driver's side, according to Louisiana State... more »

• Man arrested for negligent carrying of concealed handgun, possession of weapons Play Video

  September 9, 2025 6:24 PM

  PORT ALLEN - A man wanted out of Port Allen on various gun charges was arrested Monday, the Port Allen Police Department said. Zakiylan Williams was wanted for negligent carrying of a concealed handgun and possession of weapons where alcoholic beverages are sold. more »

• WBR Sheriff: 'No stone unturned' in detention center drug deaths investigation Play Video

  September 9, 2025 6:10 PM

  PORT ALLEN — Following the suspected drug-related deaths of four inmates in the West Baton Rouge Detention Center this year, the Sheriff's Office is trying to determine how drugs keep getting inside the facility. "We think it's high for a typical year," said Sheriff Jeff Bergeron, about the number... more »

• West Baton Rouge Parish Fire crews put out industrial warehouse fire Tuesday morning Play Video

  September 2, 2025 9:06 AM

  PORT ALLEN — West Baton Rouge Parish Fire crews put out a warehouse fire Tuesday morning. The fire, contained to a piece of equipment that caught fire, happened along Mahaffey Road in Port Allen around 6:26 a.m. Units were on scene shortly after the fire, removing smoke from... more »

• Body found in Port Allen linked to Texas killing Play Video

  August 18, 2025 11:30 PM

  PORT ALLEN - The family of Brianna Griffith, a Texas woman murdered in 2022, fears they will never get answers about her death after the man who was arrested in her killing was found dead in West Baton Rouge Parish. Court documents say deputies found Griffith shot outside her... more »

• Former Port Allen mayor accused of rape allegedly served alcohol to minor employee; bond set at $250,000 Play Video

  August 18, 2025 12:44 PM

  PORT ALLEN — Former Port Allen Mayor Derek Lewis had his bond set at $250,000 after being arrested last week for alleged rape and indecent behavior with a juvenile. Lewis, 64, was arrested Aug. 12 after the West Baton Rouge Parish Sheriff's Office accused him of contributing to the... more »

• Baton Rouge man arrested, accused of selling Kratom, other illegal products out of Port Allen store Play Video

  August 13, 2025 11:54 AM

  PORT ALLEN — A Baton Rouge man accused of selling illegal Kratom products out of a Port Allen store was arrested by deputies. West Baton Rouge Parish deputies said that 41-year-old Md Saiful Islam was arrested and booked into the West Baton Rouge Parish Detention Center on Sunday. ... more »

• La. 1 northbound to be closed Thursday night as work continues on La. 1 Intracoastal Bridge Play Video

  August 7, 2025 1:43 PM

  PORT ALLEN — The La.1 northbound bridge will be closed overnight Thursday as crews continue work on the La. 1 Intracoastal Bridge. La. 1 will be closed from 10 p.m. Thursday to 4 a.m. Friday morning, with the right lane closing starting at 7 p.m. These closures are... more »

• West Baton Rouge Parish Coroner identifies body found in Port Allen as missing Houston man Play Video

  August 7, 2025 11:15 AM

  PORT ALLEN — The body of a man reported missing in Texas was found in Port Allen, officials said Thursday. Xavier Drake, 22, was reported missing in Houston on Monday after he was last heard from on July 25. Drake's body, identified by the West Baton Rouge Parish Coroner's... more »

• Deputies searching for three people accused of stealing from Port Allen Dollar General

  August 1, 2025 5:16 PM

  PORT ALLEN — Deputies are searching for three people who stole from a Dollar General in Port Allen in July. The West Baton Rouge Parish Sheriff’s Office said the three walked into the store on July 17, selected merchandise and walked out without paying. Anyone who recognizes any... more »

• DOTD: Part of La. 76 in Port Allen will close starting Friday

  July 14, 2025 4:57 PM

  PORT ALLEN — The Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development said that part of La. 76 will be fully closed starting Friday. The road will be closed near the intersection of La. 415 so crews can replace the existing concrete road, DOTD said. Motorists can expect the closures... more »

• Port Allen man arrested for stealing 135 sacks of crawfish Play Video

  July 1, 2025 3:13 PM

  PORT ALLEN — Louisiana Department of Agriculture and Forestry agents arrested a Port Allen man for stealing over 100 sacks of crawfish in May of 2024. Ricky G. Hasbert, 54, was arrested on June 30 for the alleged crawfish theft. LDAF said he is accused of not paying for... more »

• Port Allen issues zero tolerance policy on juvenile curfew Play Video

  May 30, 2025 12:21 AM

  PORT ALLEN - The Port Allen Police Department issued a statement saying they plan to strictly enforce juvenile curfew violations beginning Thursday. For all individuals under 17, the rules state they must be off public streets and in their homes between 11 p.m. and 6 a.m. Sunday through Thursday... more »

• Vehicle hit by train, one person taken to hospital

  May 22, 2025 3:17 PM

  PORT ALLEN - One person was taken to a hospital after a vehicle they were in was hit by a train in West Baton Rouge on Thursday. The West Baton Rouge Parish Sheriff’s Office said the collision happened around 11:30 a.m. at the intersection of La. 1 and Antonio... more »

• Brothers sentenced to probation after laundering money through State Fire Marshal's office Play Video

  May 9, 2025 1:59 PM

  PORT ALLEN - Two brothers convicted on money laundering charges after fleecing the state of Louisiana more than $800,000 during state emergencies, avoided prison Friday when they were sentenced to probation and ordered to pay restitution and fines. District Attorney Tony Clayton was unhappy with Robert and Thomas McCormick's... more »

• West Baton Rouge man arrested for theft of livestock after allegedly not paying for horse

  May 6, 2025 11:57 AM

  BATON ROUGE - Deputies arrested a Port Allen man for allegedly stealing livestock after he was accused of failing to pay for a horse he purchased in October. The Louisiana Department of Agriculture and Forestry said Johnny Payne II was arrested on May 1. Payne allegedly purchased a horse... more »

• Families enjoy gentle breeze, sunny weather at Port Allen kite festival Play Video

  April 26, 2025 6:28 PM

  PORT ALLEN — In West Baton Rouge Parish, nice sunny weather and a gentle breeze made for a good day to fly kites at the Kite Fest Louisiane’ in Port Allen. The festival, which started Saturday and continues through Sunday, had kites of all shapes and sizes in the... more »

• Port Allen soul food restaurant hosts Easter weekend giveaway Play Video

  April 19, 2025 10:15 AM

  PORT ALLEN — A restaurant in Port Allen kicked off Easter weekend on Friday by giving back to the community. Kids of all ages stopped by Alton Sterling Soul Food to get their hands on a free basket filled with goodies and treats. They also got a chance to... more »

• Deputies identify woman's body found in pond behind Port Allen home Play Video

  April 15, 2025 5:40 PM

  PORT ALLEN — Deputies on Tuesday identified a woman whose body was found in a pond behind a Port Allen home along Section Road. The body found Monday morning was identified as 59-year-old Port Allen woman Wanda Skipper. Although no foul play is suspected, deputies said an official cause... more »

• Corporations sign plan for carbon removal projection in Baton Rouge port area Play Video

  April 15, 2025 10:48 AM

  BATON ROUGE - Two big corporations reached an agreement to begin construction on a carbon removal facility they say would be the largest removal effort in the world. AtmosClear , a company under Fidelis, and Microsoft have signed a contract planning for the removal of 6.75 million metric tons... more »

• West Baton Rouge mourns loss of retired deputy who served for 39 years

  April 14, 2025 1:41 PM

  PORT ALLEN - Deputies are mourning the loss of Deloris Kibby, a longtime veteran of the office who died on April 9. Retired Deputy Kibby worked with the West Baton Rouge Sheriff's Office for 39 years before her passing. "Her dedication and kind spirit will never be forgotten,"... more »

• Woman arrested for alleged involvement in fight that broke out at Port Allen community event Play Video

  April 14, 2025 1:40 PM

  PORT ALLEN — A woman was arrested for her alleged involvement in a February fight at a Port Allen community event that resulted in "mass chaos and confusion" after officers sprayed mace into the air. The Port Allen Police Department said 31-year-old Rhonda Franklin was arrested Wednesday, nearly two... more »

• One lane of I-10 eastbound over the Atchafalaya Basin will be closed Friday for emergency repairs Play Video

  April 11, 2025 2:41 PM

  BATON ROUGE — The outside, eastbound lane of Interstate 10 going over the Atchafalaya Basin will be closed Friday starting at 2:30 p.m. for emergency repairs. DOTD officials say they expect the roadway to re-open around 7:00 p.m. The closure at mile marker 127 is necessary for crews... more »

• WBRZ capitol correspondent Alexis Marigny visits Port Allen Middle School career fair Play Video

  April 11, 2025 12:01 PM

  PORT ALLEN — Students at Port Allen Middle School had a chance to learn about future careers at the school's career fair on Friday. Seventh and eighth-grade students visited each business from across the capital region, including the Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development, Southern University, Couyon's Barbeque and... more »

• West Baton Rouge firefighters respond to house fire early Friday morning Play Video

  April 11, 2025 7:01 AM

  PORT ALLEN - Firefighters responded to a house fire in West Baton Rouge Parish early Friday morning. The West Baton Rouge Sheriff's Office posted pictures from the scene of the home on Mulatto Bend Road. The fire happened shortly before 2 a.m. Friday morning. Officials said no one... more »

• TEAM 2 TRAFFIC: All eastbound lanes are blocked on I-10 near I-110 split; traffic congested into Port Allen

  March 27, 2025 6:54 PM

  BATON ROUGE — All eastbound lanes are blocked on Interstate 10 near the I-110 split. Traffic is backed up over the bridge into Port Allen. There is no further information about what caused the lane closures. more »

• Deputies: No charges to be filed in death of 80-year-old struck by truck while visiting from Virginia Play Video

  March 17, 2025 10:53 AM

  PORT ALLEN — No criminal action will be taken in the death of an 80-year-old man struck by a car last week while visiting the capital region from Virginia, West Baton Rouge Parish deputies said Monday. A spokesperson for the sheriff's office said they are treating the late Wednesday... more »

• Late-night fire rages near outdoor equipment store in Port Allen Play Video

  February 13, 2025 6:12 AM

  PORT ALLEN — A large fire broke out late Wednesday night at a Port Allen outdoor equipment store. Little is known, but the fire broke out around 11:30 p.m. at All Outdoor Power Equipment on American Way. The fire could be seen from over the river in East... more »

• Deputies searching for man accused of burglarizing car along Port Allen highway

  December 12, 2024 10:47 AM

  PORT ALLEN — West Baton Rouge Parish deputies are searching for a man accused of breaking into a vehicle in Port Allen. Deputies said the man, pictured on surveillance cameras, is wanted in connection with a vehicle burglary that happened on Nov. 22. The burglary happened along U.S. 190... more »

• Port Allen Mayor-Elect discusses goals for first term, plans to 'restructure the office' Play Video

  December 11, 2024 6:17 PM

  PORT ALLEN — Port Allen will have a new mayor in January. Terecita Pollard Pattan defeated Clyde Robertson Sr. in November and will succeed current Mayor Richard Lee. Mayor-elect Pattan has worked for the city of Port Allen since 2005, and as she puts it, has worn many... more »

• Farmers asking for assistance from federal government after 'farm bill' expired last month Play Video

  October 30, 2024 3:18 PM

  BATON ROUGE - Louisiana farmers are in limbo after a safety net bill passed in 2018 expired last month, leaving some unprotected from emergencies. The bill distributes money for crop insurance and disaster relief, something sugar cane farmer Travis Medine says is essential. “Without the safety net, it's... more »

• Man who died at Port Allen tire shop may have had medical emergency

  September 18, 2024 3:19 PM

  PORT ALLEN - A man died Wednesday afternoon at a tire shop in Port Allen in what police initially reported as a shooting but a coroner says could have been a medical emergency. The Port Allen Police Department said a call came in around 2 p.m. that a shooting... more »

• Louisiana Supreme Court settles challenges involving 2 Port Allen city government races Play Video

  August 15, 2024 2:51 PM

  PORT ALLEN — The Louisiana Supreme Court on Thursday upheld lower court rulings that said candidates for Port Allen mayor and a city council seat cannot seek those offices because they failed to meet residency guidelines. West Baton Rouge Parish judges had removed City Administrator Lance Joseph from the... more »

• Appeals court rejects plea from Port Allen administrator to enter mayor's race Play Video

  August 7, 2024 5:45 PM

  PORT ALLEN — A Louisiana appeals court has upheld a decision saying Port Allen's municipal administrator cannot run for mayor because he enjoys a property tax exemption on a house he owned in Plaquemine. In a 3-2 decision Wednesday, the 1st Circuit Court of Appeal said Lance Joseph was... more »

• Deputies arrest man on drug, gun charges after traffic stop in Port Allen Play Video

  August 6, 2024 1:46 PM

  PORT ALLEN — A man was arrested in Port Allen on drug dealing charges after being stopped for a traffic violation, deputies said. Derrick Baise, 40, was arrested and booked Friday on possession with the intent to distribute marijuana and illegal carrying of a weapon with a controlled substance... more »

• Judge bounces Port Allen council candidate from ballot; other challenges ongoing

  July 30, 2024 12:19 PM

  PORT ALLEN — A West Baton Rouge judge Tuesday kicked a Port Allen city council candidate off the November ballot, ruling that he did not meet the one-year residency requirement for office-holders. April King had sued her opponent, Shelton Berry, saying he was not eligible to run. Judge Elizabeth... more »

• Three-vehicle crash involving ATV leaves 22-year-old dead Sunday Play Video

  July 22, 2024 12:27 PM

  PORT ALLEN - A 22-year-old was killed Sunday after a crash involving three vehicles, including an ATV and a dirt bike. A preliminary investigation from Louisiana State Police found that Kaleb Boone, 22, was driving an ATV north on LA-413. At the same time, a Kawasaki dirt bike was... more »

• Deputies searching for man, woman who stole cart full of merchandise from Port Allen Walmart

  June 18, 2024 11:24 AM

  PORT ALLEN — The West Baton Rouge Parish Sheriff’s Office is attempting to identify two people who stole a shopping cart full of merchandise from a Port Allen Walmart in May. Deputies released photos of the individuals, a Black man and a Black woman, entering the store and leaving... more »

• Seven arrested after year-long 'Operation Hellcat' investigation face rare racketeering charges Play Video

  May 29, 2024 5:42 PM

  PORT ALLEN — Seven people arrested in March in a car heist ring that stole new vehicles from a railroad yard in Port Allen were formally charged Wednesday with racketeering, as well as theft charges, a state prosecutor said. District Attorney Tony Clayton said members of the group were... more »

• Video surfaces of reserve deputy appearing to gloat about shooting into fleeing car Play Video

  December 13, 2023 6:49 PM

  PORT ALLEN - Three months after a reserve West Baton Rouge Parish Deputy shot into a fleeing car, a video surfaced on a law enforcement training page with him gloating about doing something just like that. His lawyer, John McLindon said his client, Shawn Pardazi, was referring to a... more »

• 'Jingle Jeepin' parade and market set for Saturday in Port Allen

  December 1, 2023 10:59 PM

  WEST BATON ROUGE PARISH - The 2023 "Jingle Jeepin'" parade and market will bring dozens of decked out Jeeps to the streets of Port Allen on Saturday. The festivities begin at noon with the opening of the craft market inside the West Baton Rouge Convention and Visitors Bureau. ... more »

• 'What are you going to do about it?' Fed up tenant wants moldy apartment addressed Play Video

  October 27, 2023 4:45 PM

  PORT ALLEN - Ashley Schofield isn't afraid to speak up about the problems she has with her apartment complex. Schofield has lived at the Katherine Square Apartments in Port Allen for two years. Over the summer, Schofield says her daughter started getting heavy nosebleeds and one sinus infection after... more »

• West Baton Rouge deputies looking for pair of theft suspects

  September 21, 2023 5:35 PM

  WEST BATON ROUGE - The West Baton Rouge Parish Sheriff's Office is hoping someone will come forward with information about two people wanted for a recent theft. The incident happened on Sept. 15 at a property on South River Road in Port Allen. Officials said the duo stole... more »

• After WBRZ report, deputy arrested for shooting into fleeing car Play Video

  August 30, 2023 12:02 PM

  PORT ALLEN - The West Baton Rouge Parish Sheriff's Office confirmed to the WBRZ Investigative Unit Wednesday that fired reserve deputy Shawn Pardazi was booked into jail. It comes a week after WBRZ reported that a warrant was filed in the wake of an Investigative Unit report which featured... more »

• Port Allen defendant guilty of manslaughter in killing of French Quarter bartender

  August 18, 2023 7:03 PM

  NEW ORLEANS - A jury on Friday found a 25-year-old from Port Allen guilty of manslaughter in the shooting death of a French Quarter barkeeper in March 2022. Daphney D. Jackson was convicted on a lesser count than that of second-degree murder, which prosecutors filed in connection with the... more »

• WBR sheriff hires respected law enforcement experts to review questionable shooting exposed by Nakamoto Play Video

  August 11, 2023 5:10 PM

  PORT ALLEN — The West Baton Rouge Parish Sheriff's Office has brought in two retired law enforcement experts to review a shooting that is raising all sorts of questions after a reserve deputy fired into the back of a fleeing car. Greg Phares — a former sheriff and police... more »

• INVESTIGATIVE UNIT: Deputy shoots into fleeing car on I-10, livestreams it on Facebook Play Video

  August 2, 2023 5:31 PM

  PORT ALLEN — Alarming video shows the moment a West Baton Rouge Sheriff's reserve deputy fired five rounds into the back of an SUV last summer, and internal affairs reports obtained by the WBRZ Investigative Unit through a public records request show the reserve deputy livestreamed it on Facebook. ... more »

• Elevator trouble at retirement community worries family of tenants Play Video

  April 12, 2023 3:37 PM

  UPDATE As of May 5, the elevator has been repaired. Family of loved ones thanks 2 On Your Side for the assistance, more than two months after it became an issue. In that time, several tenants injured themselves going down the stairs. PORT ALLEN - An elevator has been... more »

• Audit reveals how sheriff's office employee manipulated system, stole $150K from department Play Video

  February 20, 2023 4:21 PM

  PORT ALLEN- An audit released Monday by the Louisiana Legislative Auditor is revealing new details about a scheme that went undetected for years and allowed a West Baton Rouge sheriff's Office employee to pocket more than $150,000. That employee, Mandy Miller , confessed to stealing $150,000, according to the... more »

• Nursing home where resident died of hypothermia has checkered past, records show Play Video

  February 17, 2023 4:59 PM

  PORT ALLEN - Legacy Nursing Home and Rehabilitation has been cited nearly two dozen times over the past few years for problems found by state inspectors, records reviewed by the WBRZ Investigative Unit show. On Thanksgiving, Robert Gash wandered outside and was found dead hours later . The West... more »

• Nursing home cited after unsupervised resident wandered outside, died of hypothermia Play Video

  February 16, 2023 5:03 PM

  PORT ALLEN - State regulators cited a nursing home for failures and deficient practices after a surprise visit that came following the death of one of its residents on Thanksgiving Day. The Louisiana Department of Health carried out the unannounced inspection at Legacy Nursing Home on Dec. 21, 2022.... more »

• Sources: FBI joins investigation into missing money at WBR Sheriff's Office Play Video

  January 4, 2023 5:39 PM

  PORT ALLEN - Sources confirmed to the WBRZ Investigative Unit that the FBI has joined the investigation looking into missing money at the West Baton Rouge Parish Sheriff's Office. The WBRZ Investigative Unit also learned that Sheriff Mike Cazes recently stopped paying the deputy at the center of investigation... more »

• Family says man died of hypothermia after he was neglected at nursing home Play Video

  December 13, 2022 5:50 PM

  PORT ALLEN- The family of 54-year old Robert Gash is demanding an explanation after their loved one managed to go unsupervised for hours at Legacy Nursing Home and then died outside the facility. The WBRZ Investigative Unit learned a criminal investigation is underway at the Port Allen Police Department.... more »

• Sources: Nearly $150k missing at WBR Sheriff's Office; employee admits to stealing Play Video

  November 16, 2022 5:30 PM

  PORT ALLEN - Sources tell the WBRZ Investigative Unit that West Baton Rouge Sheriff's Office employee Mandy Miller admitted to stealing money after two different investigations began months ago tied to the allegations. Those sources who spoke to WBRZ on condition of anonymity said at least $150,000 is missing.... more »

• Homeowner wants answers after yard starts sinking Play Video

  September 21, 2022 2:45 PM

  PORT ALLEN - A man says his property is sinking and he's having trouble flushing his toilet. Edwin Harris thinks the problem might be sewer-related and is searching for answers. He says his issues started about a year ago when he saw a company flush water through the storm... more »

• Texas man killed in crash along I-10 'Devil's Triangle' in West Baton Rouge

  April 1, 2022 9:21 PM

  PORT ALLEN - A man from Texas was killed when he drove his small car into the back of a stopped 18-wheeler Friday. The wreck happened in a deadly stretch of I-10 in West Baton Rouge around 6:30 Friday evening. Warren Beemer, 52, of Fair Oaks Ranch, Texas,... more »

• Walmart in Port Allen temporarily closing for sanitization amid state's increase in COVID cases

  December 31, 2021 12:38 PM

  PORT ALLEN – As yet another wave of COVID cases sweeps the nation, some businesses are taking steps to protect employees and customers. The Walmart in Port Allen (3255 Louisiana Highway 1 S.), for example is closing at 2 p.m. Friday as part of a company-initiated program to allow... more »