At 5:25 p.m. on April 10, 2017, Red River Sheriff’s Communications received a call for assistance from staff at Ware Youth Center in reference to a riot in progress. The incident was described as a fight in the common area of the detention facility involving multiple juvenile detainees. Red River Parish Sheriff’s deputies were executing a shift change which allowed nine available patrol units to immediately respond. Two additional sheriff’s deputies and one Coushatta city police officeralso responded to the call. The first units arrived at the location within five minutes of the assistance request.

As deputies made entry into the facility, all residents immediately complied with verbal commands and ceased all aggressive actions. After a brief on-site investigation, detectives learned that the incident involved a fight among approximately fifteen male residents during their dinner period.

Four seventeen year old male offenderswere subsequently placed under arrest without further incident and transported to the Red River Parish Jail (RRPJ). Each was booked as an adult and charged with Inciting to Riot.As the investigation continued with the assistance of Ware staff, an additional seventeen year old malewas implicated the following day and booked into the RRPJ on the same charge. Arrested were Cody Barron and Damonta Johnson both of Bossier City, Jay-Don Morrison and Kentravious Nelson both of Haughton and Jaylon Luckey of Shreveport. All remain incarcerated in the Red River Parish Jail with a bond amount of $20,000 each.

Five additional juvenile detainees were also charged for their role in the incident and remain incarcerated in Ware Youth Center. Those charges ranged from Inciting a Riot to Simple Criminal Damage to Property.

No significant injuries and only minor damage to the facility were reported.

Three Coushatta teenagers are helping other people they will never meet. They assembled health kits and aid supplies to distribute to people in time of natural disasters.

Shown above are Brett Dancy, Hardy Dowden, and Kaitlyn Antilley. In the photo below they are joined by Cindy Coffee and Susan Simpson in the assembly of health kits. Simpson directs the confirmation class and supplied the pictures as well as contributed to this report.

The First United Methodist Church’s Confirmation class traveled to Sager Brown on Wednesday, April 12 during Easter break. They were excited to deliver a load of supplies that their congregation had donated and to volunteer assembling Health Kits. These kits will provide basic necessities to people who have been forced to leave their homes because of human conflict or natural disaster.

The United Methodist Committee on Relief (UMCOR) Sager Brown Depot is the headquarters for UMCOR’s relief-supply operations. Each year, more than 3,000 volunteers prepare about $4 million in supplies for shipment from the Baldwin, LA campus to around the world. Based on current needs, volunteers have the opportunity to assist with assembling kits. These kits help provide care for the most vulnerable people during times of crisis

According to Red River Parish Sheriff Glen Edwards, a Shreveport man is behind bars following two separate incidents involving an attempted home invasion and attempted burglary.

At approximately 11:00 a.m. on April 10, 2017 multiple units were dispatched to a burglary in progress at a residence in the 300 block of Jim Street south of Coushatta. The caller stated thatsomeone had kicked in his door and that he feared for his life. Shortly thereafter, the caller reported that the subject had fled the scene in a white Toyota Land Rover. He also reported that the subject had kicked in a door at a second residence, which was in close proximity to his house.

While en route to the call, a responding deputy initiated a stop on the vehicle that was believed to be driven by the suspect. The driver, identified as Reginald Demery, was detained for questioning. While he was detained, criminal investigators interviewed witnesses and established probable cause to affect an arrest.

Reginald Demery, B/M, age 30 of the 9000 block of Sara Lane, Shreveport, LA was charged with one count of Attempted Simple Burglary, one count of Attempted Home Invasion and two counts of Simple Criminal Damage to Property less than $500.

On April 12, 2017 Demery posted a $40,000 bond and was released pending a trial date.

Family, friends and spectators cheered teams from Natchitoches, Sabine and Red River parishes during opening ceremonies of the Red River Special Olympics at Northwestern State University Tuesday.

The track and field competitions were organized by NSU’s President’s Leadership Program with assistance from NSU Athletics, the Natchitoches Jaycees, area law enforcement agencies and other volunteer groups.

Special Olympics is a global movement that unleashes the human spirit through the transformative power and joy of sports. The motto of Special Olympics inspires thousands of communities to support the organization: “Let me win. But if I cannot win let me be brave in the attempt.”

There was a walk to the Red River Parish Courthouse on Saturday morning. This is the latest development following the shooting death March 30th of Coushatta man, Earl Moore.

City police estimate 100 to 150 people took part. Those gathered heard from Coushatta Mayor Johnny Cox, Shreveport NAACP chapter President Lloyd Thompson and the victim’s mother Carla Moore.

Afterwards the Journal spoke with Thompson who says they prayed and listened. “We want what’s right ought to be done.” said Thompson. He added, “we’re not pointing hands at color, just at wrong. We should wait for investigation to be complete to see what facts come out.”

Thompson said, “It is a case of wrong. Justice should have been served at the courthouse and not in the street. We don’t have to take justice into our own hands.”

Sneak Preview. The District track meet is to be held at Red River High School on Thursday. Events start at 3:30. There will be teams from Calvary Baptist Academy, Lakeside High School, North Caddo High School, Lakeview High School and Jonesboro Hodge High School in addition to the Red River Bulldogs. A full slate of track and field events is scheduled.

Off They Go Into the Wild Blue Yonder. At least it is off to the Johnson Space Center for the Air Force Jr. ROTC cadets from Red River High School. They departed Tuesday for a couple of days in the Houston area.

Loud Stops Officially a No-No. You may have noticed that the signs are up on highways leading into Coushatta. Jake Brakes, or loud un-muffled compression braking of trucks, is now outlawed in our city. The City Council took the final action at the last council meeting enacting the ordinance. Trucks who still do it face a fine.

Charity Run Will Be Colorful. The second annual Riverdale 5K run is scheduled Saturday, April 22nd, at the ballpark. Start time is 5:00 pm. See The Journal’s story in the March 24th issue for additional information.

A Sweet Treat. A tip of the cap to the baker of the cinnamon rolls served for breakfast Sunday morning at Open Door Fellowship. Delicious!

Coushatta Chief of Police Kevin Stafford updated the City Council on the recent homicide in the city at last Tuesdays meeting. He said “we are working closely with the sheriff’s department. We are investigating other charges, perhaps some federal charges.” Stafford added “the investigation is ongoing so there is not much I can comment on. “

After the meeting The Journal asked Stafford if a motive for the shooting had been determined? He responded “that is part of the investigation that has not been concluded yet.”

As first reported in The Journal on March 31st, a shooting on East Riddle Street March 30th left Earl Moore dead and two men, Daniel Waites and his father Carrel Waites behind bars. Daniel Waites is charged with second-degree murder and Carrel Waites is charged with principal to second-degree murder.

Witnesses to the shooting report seeing two men arrive in a truck and then approach Moore. They report after a brief exchange of words one of the men began shooting.

Moore’s relatives report that the men had been looking for Moore for several days over theft of a gun and money from Daniel Waites. Moore’s mother, Carla Moore, said on the day of the shooting her son did not have a gun.

The Coushatta Town Council made it official at its meeting this week, approving the proclamation of National Nutrition Month in March. The proclamation was presented to the Red River Parish Health unit during their open house on March 27th. Council approval was unanimous.

Yashica Turner, the Nursing Supervisor of the Red River Parish Health Unit was present at the council meeting to accept the proclamation from Mayor Johnny Cox and the council members.

The proclamation reads in part “the type, quality, and amount of food that individuals consume each day plays a vital role in their overall health and physical fitness. And there is a need for continuing nutrition education and wide-scale effort to enhance healthy eating practices…”

Therefore Mayor Cox proclaims March National Nutrition Month. Dr. Cox said, “I encourage all citizens to join the campaign and become concerned about their nutrition and the nutrition of others in the hope of achieving optimum health for both today and tomorrow.”

New LSU head football coach Ed Orgeron, a former Northwestern State football standout who began his coaching career with the Demons, is the featured guest Friday, May 5, at NSU Athletics’ 2017 Legends Gala.

The sixth annual event, benefitting the Demons Unlimited Foundation (DUF), will be staged in Natchitoches for the first time. Orgeron will be joined in the spotlight by many of the other 20 NSU sports standouts spotlighted since the inaugural Legends event in 2012, said Dr. Haley Taitano, executive director of the DUF and associate athletics director at NSU.

Guests can join Orgeron at a 5 p.m. VIP Cocktail Hour at the new Chateau St. Denis Hotel at 751 Second Street in downtown Natchitoches. At 6 p.m., the event shifts across Second Street to the Natchitoches Events Center, where a dinner, auction and Legends panel discussion will ensue, followed by Orgeron as the featured speaker.

Individual tickets are $75 including access to the Legends VIP Cocktail Hour featuring Orgeron and the Legends dinner, auction and program, which is $50 to those not attending the Cocktail Hour.

Residents of Green Meadow Haven were surprised this week with flowers and Easter cards. They were presented by the Cooties.

The Military Order of Cooties is a fraternal order within the Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United States. The Cooties Auxiliary in northwest Louisiana is known as Pelican #6 and serves Red River, Caddo and Bossier parishes.

Coushatta resident Angelia McCoy is the President of the group. McCoy said, “We just want to show them (the residents) a little love, so that the ones in the nursing home know that there are people outside who think that they still matter.”

McCoy along with Susanne Wastlund (not pictured) and Dawn Brewer presented the flowers and cards to Mary Tom Cowser, an assistant activities director, for distribution to the residents.

The Coushatta-Red River Chamber has published the details on the upcoming car show at Grand Bayou Resort. See poster below for more information.

Owners of antique cars and trucks are invited to show their vehicles on Saturday April 29th. They will be competing for trophies to be awarded and bragging rights also.

The day will feature musical entertainment, local vendors and door prizes. Plus you get to see some pretty cool rides. The event is free and everyone is invited.

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Every kid, and the kid in every one of us, likes to get wet! What better opportunity than a car wash. On a Saturday not too long ago the kids and “older children” of Freedom Worship Center got wet.

They held a car wash and cookout in front of Rivertown Market. The Journal talked with Deacon Gregory Gibbs and he told us they are preparing for their summer youth outing. “The trip is for the kids. We are taking about 30 youngsters to Atlanta for summer vacation” said Gibbs.

Church Secretary Coronda Banks gave details “We are chartering a bus and renting a mansion for July 3rd through 6th.” She added “we plan to tour the Coca-Cola Center, the Aquarium and the Martin Luther King Memorial.”

Pastor Ashanti Cole said there would be other events in coming weeks to raise funds for the trip. Cole said “this is our third year to take our children to Atlanta.”

Freedom Worship Center is located at 1004 East Carroll Street. Sunday School is at 10 am and Worship begins at 11:15.

HEALTH FAIR. Remember the health fair at the Council on Aging Tuesday. It will be from 8:30 to noon. See the March 31st edition of The Journal for details of the reduced fee tests that will be available. The event is open to everyone, and is not limited to senior citizens.

CONGRATULATIONS to Lewis Lawson and Nicole Williams for their accomplishments at the state literary rallies. Lawson took first place in Physics and Williams garnered second place in Financial Math. They are students at Riverdale Academy.

HEADING TO THE LEGISLATURE. Students, faculty, staff and administrators from Northwestern State University will join other representatives from the nine universities in the University of Louisiana System for ULS Day at the Capital Wednesday, April 19.

The day is intended to create awareness of higher education issues, particularly funding for higher education and restructuring of the Taylor Opportunity Program for Students (TOPS). Students will participate in a lunch with legislators, group photos on the capitol steps and recognition of ULS Day in the House and Senate chambers.

THE LOUISIANA LEGISLATURE – A PERSONAL NOTE. I covered the Louisiana Legislature for several years during the administration of Governor Edwin Edwards in the early 1970s. Reading current accounts of the beginning days of the current session, one could conclude that not much has changed.

The Capitol Press Corps (as we were known) would sit in our elegantly cramped quarters in the basement of the capitol and discuss the goings on. We would remember Brooks Reed “The Esso Reporter” on WBRZ Channel 2. His saying was “Neither life nor property is safe while the Louisiana Legislature is in session.” Sort of seemed like that to us at the time.

Brooks may have been correct, but he was not original. That quote is attributed to Gideon John Tucker, an American lawyer, newspaper editor and politician. In 1866 he wrote in a will case: “No man’s life, liberty or property are safe while the Legislature is in session.” The quote is also attributed to Mark Twain. Sounds like Twain to me.

At this legislative session already there is talk of ways to overcome a billion-dollar-plus deficit facing the state. And there is talk of adjusting the personal income tax brackets, eliminating “loop-holes” for businesses, and on and on. Let your legislators know your thoughts. And remember the late Brooks Reed’s timely or timeless advice!

The budget will be the top item as the Louisiana Legislature opens it’s spring session. In an interview with The Journal, Senator Gerald Long said the three things lawmakers face are adequate funding for needed state services, cuts in the budget where needed, and to manage government more effectively.

In his district, Long said, “funding the TOPS program is one of the priorities. People want to know if their children can go to college and will TOPS be there to help pay for it. If the state is going to continue funding TOPS at the present level they will have to increase requirements.”

The Journal spoke also with representatives Kenny Cox and Terry Brown. Among options mentioned for keeping the TOPS program in place are increasing the grade point average (GPA) to qualify for TOPS and some system of having students pay back their scholarship. One way would be a requirement that the student work in Louisiana after graduation. Another option would be to require repayment if the student did not complete the educational program.

Another item of interest to Senator Long is funding for health care. He said, “Long-term health care in the state is tied to maintaining LSU Health Science in Shreveport. Long said, “For every dollar the state puts up the federal government will put up 4 or 5 dollars.

Long favors taking every step possible to reduce spending. He noted, “Under the leadership of Governor John Bel Edwards we have already cut $900,000,000 from the budget. The work of going through every department’s budget and cutting where they can is continuing.”

The governor has asked that the one-cent state sales tax enacted several years ago not be renewed. Long agreed saying “raising more taxes is a last resort.”

Citizens may make their thoughts known by contacting their local Senator and Representatives. See the April 5th Etc… column of the Journal for contact information.

On April 5, 2017, the Red River Parish Sheriff’s Office Criminal Investigations Division was contacted by the U.S. Marshal’s Fugitive Task Force regarding a fugitive tracked to Red River Parish. The agents were assisting the Sabine Parish Sheriff’s Office in its search for escaped inmate Jason Meshell. Meshell, whowas being held in the Sabine Detention Center on a parole violation for possession of Schedule II Controlled Dangerous Substance, as well as, failing to register as a sex offender, escaped from the facility on March 28, 2017. He was also facing current charges of obstruction of a public passage, careless operation, resisting by flight, flight from an officer and switched plates. Agents developed information which indicated that Meshell, along with an accomplice, was hiding at a private residence located on U.S. Hwy 71 south of Coushatta.

A tactical plan was developed with anticipation that the suspect would attempt to flee. Deputy U.S. Marshals and Red River Parish Sheriff’s deputies deployed to the target residence and set up a perimeter which included aerialsurveillance by the Red River Parish Sheriff’s recently acquired drone. The Red River Parish Sheriff’s apprehension K-9, along with support personnel, was positioned in the area to the rear of the residence.

As the entry team approached the residence, the suspect exited a rear window and ran into a wooded area directly behind the house. When the suspect failed to obey verbal commands and warnings from deputies, the K-9 was deployed and successfully apprehended the escapee. Meshell was subsequently handcuffed and escorted to an awaiting sheriff’s patrol unit. Red River Parish EMS responded to the scene and treated the suspect for the dog bite.

Four individuals followed the instruction of the officers and were detained upon exiting the residence. The entry team entered the residence and located a fifth individual who was later identified as the suspected accomplice.Cassie D. Ezernack, W/F, age 24 of the 400 block of Garcie Road Zwolle, LA was taken into custody without further incident. She was booked into the Red River Parish Jailon two fugitive warrants from Sabine Parish for Principle to Theft of a Motor Vehicle and Principle to Simple Escape.

After receiving treatment at Christus Coushatta hospital for the injuries sustained during his apprehension, Jason S. Meshell, W/M, age 36 of the 400 block of Garcie Road, Zwolle, LA was transportedto the Red River Parish Jail. He was booked on two fugitive warrants from Sabine Parish for Theft of a Motor Vehicle and Simple Escape. He was also charged with Resisting an Officer for his actions during his apprehension.

At approximately 9:00 p.m. later that evening, both Ezernack and Meshell were released into the custody of the Sabine Parish Sheriff’s Office. A detainer will be placed on Meshell by the RRPSO for the pending charge in Red River Parish.

Beautiful blooming plants fill the yard at the new location of Evelyn’s Plant Farm. Evelyn reminds you it is time to plant flowers and vegetables.

Check out the many colorful bedding plants. You will find a variety for your yard whether you have sun or shade. Here is a quick way to add bright color to your home. You’ll love the price too! All flowers and vegetable plants are $1.98 per six pack.

Evelyn’s Plant Farm has the best selling, large lush Boston Ferns. Another favorite is potato vines. Both will add a touch of green to your yard. And Evelyn has been busy creating hanging baskets packed with vibrant flowering plants.

Evelyn has the experience to help you plan your yard. Get sound advice on what to plant, where to plant, and how to care for your plants year around.

Evelyn’s Plant Farm is located at 1024 East Carroll Street in Coushatta. She is open at 8 am Monday through Saturday. Need plants or just need advice, see Evelyn. You will be glad you stopped by.

By Kevin Shannahan

Kevin’s Gallery

This Sunday marked the 153rd anniversary of the Battle of Pleasant Hill. Every year since the late 1970’s, there has been a re-enactment held on the actual battlefield about 3 miles from the modern site of the Village of Pleasant Hill. This year’s re-enactment featured approximately 400 reenactors from Louisiana, Texas, Arkansas, Mississippi and Oklahoma with a local group representing Natchitoches Parish.

Friday featured an open camp held for local educators so school groups could come and learn about life in the Civil War era. Saturday and Sunday each featured battles fought before a large crowd as well as the Battle of Pleasant Hill Queen, court and a contingent of festival and pageant queens from across Louisiana. In addition to the battles, the event featured a period dance and church service.

Last Friday morning Louisiana Lt. Governor Billy Nungesser joined with the Civil War Trust and Cleco to announce the permanent protection of 14.5 acres at the Mansfield battlefield in DeSoto Parish. At the Battle of Mansfield, fought April 8, 1864, an outnumbered army of Confederate soldiers from Texas and Louisiana defeated Union troops under Maj. Gen. Nathaniel Banks. The 4,400 casualties convinced Banks he could not wrest Louisiana and Texas from Confederate control.

“Through concerted efforts to protect the state’s battlefields and other historic treasures, this administration and its partners are creating a lasting legacy for present and future Louisianans,” said Lt. Governor Nungesser. “We will continue to work with nonprofit groups like the Civil War Trust and preservation-minded organizations like Cleco to proactively conserve these irreplaceable resources.”

According to a report commissioned by Congress assessing the nation’s Civil War battlefields, Mansfield had a “direct impact on the course of the war,” a selective designation placing it on par with more famous battlefields such as Gettysburg and Antietam. The property – a donation from Cleco – is the first parcel ever preserved associated with final phase of the Battle of Mansfield. The tract will ultimately be transferred to Mansfield State Historic Site.

The Civil War Trust has protected 421 acres at Mansfield battlefield since 1993. The Civil War Trust is the premier nonprofit organization devoted to the preservation of America’s hallowed battlegrounds.

Mansfield State Historic Site highlights both the Battle of Mansfield and the Battle of Pleasant Hill, through interpretive programming and special events. The site is located on La. Hwy. 175, three miles south of Mansfield. For more information, visit http://www.LaStateParks.com.

Shown in the photo (above) From left to right:
John L. Nau, III, Civil War Trust Chairman emeritus
Louisiana Lt. Governor Billy Nungesser
Robbie Laborde, vice president of generation operations and environmental services for Cleco Power LLC

It was announced on Sunday that First United Methodist and Wesley Chapel United Methodist Churches will be getting a new pastor. Interim pastors had served the churches since August.

Dr. Greg Bell made the announcement during morning worship services that the District Superintendent had informed the churches that their new minister would be Reverend Dr. Paul Curtis Carroll, Jr. Carroll has ties to Coushatta and the churches. He will be in Coushatta starting July first.

Carroll’s father, Paul Curtis Carroll, Sr. pastored Wesley Chapel and First Church years ago while Carroll, Jr. was a teenager. Carroll, Jr. graduated from Coushatta High School.

A biographical sketch of Dr. Carroll was presented to church members on Sunday. In it Dr. Carroll said, “I have served in rural, suburban and urban ministry in local churches. I have served in community ministries beyond the local church setting, including as a minister working with refugees and even in a National Park.”

Dr. Carroll says he has published poems as well as academic papers. “I enjoy travel, cooking classes, rock climbing, fishing, running and swimming.”

Billy Turner had pastored First Church and Wesley Chapel for more than a year before he passed away last July. Retired ministers William Peoples and Doug Cain have served as interim pastors since that time.

At approximately 4:00 a.m. on the morning of April 2, 2017 multiple units were dispatched to the 4800 block of Hwy 507 in reference to a report of possible gunshots fired in the area. Upon arrival, three responding Red River Parish Sheriff’s Office deputies patrolled the surrounding area in an attempt to locate the source of the gunshots.

After making contact with several people gathered at the Grand Bayou Reservoir spillway, a female, later identified as Amanda Hicks, approached the deputies. A subsequent search of the vehicle she was driving yielded two pipes consistent with those used for smoking marijuana and a clear plastic bag containing suspected marijuana. Deputies were unable to locate any firearms or the source of the reported gunshots.

Amanda K. Hicks, W/F, age 38 of the 100 block of Upshaw Road, Coushatta, LA was placed under arrest and transported to the Red River Parish Jail for booking. She was charged with Possession of Marijuana, Possession of Drug Paraphernalia and Illegal Use of Controlled Dangerous Substance in Presence of Persons under Seventeen Years of Age.

On April 5, 2017 she posted a bond of $3,000 and was released pending a trial date.

Easter is upon us. There are celebrations all over town. Churches are holding special services. And there are many egg hunts and other activities planned for children of all ages.

Thursday evening there will be a Maundy Thursday Communion Service at 6 pm at First United Methodist Church of Coushatta.

Many are having Easter events including Open Door Fellowship holding an Easter egg hunt on Saturday afternoon 4 to 6 pm. First Methodist Church‘s Easter Egg Hunt is Friday morning at 10 am followed by a hot dog lunch for the children. There are probably others, so check with your church for their activities.

Abbie Lane Retreat is offering a walking tour of four of their prayer gardens on Friday and Saturday. Guides will be available or you may take the tour on your own, stopping to meditate as you desire. Abbie Lane is located on US 71 about 10 minutes south of Coushatta.

District 22 Representative Terry Brown thinks prison sentence reform, business tax reform, and TOPS scholarships will be among the items discussed in the spring legislative session. Lawmakers convene in Baton Rouge next Monday for their annual session.

The Journal spoke with Brown on prison reform and he said “times have changed and there are people in prison serving long sentences in light of the current sentences being handed down for the same crime.” He added “now they’re not in jail for going to Sunday school, but it is expensive to keep non-violent offenders locked up.” Brown said the state could save $200,000,000 a year by reducing sentences to fit the crime.

On the subject of tax reform, Brown said he thinks there will be some attempt to close business loopholes and film subsidies. “It’s ridiculous that corporations pay nothing while workers have to pay the bulk of taxes” Brown added.

Brown said the movie industry tax credit is another thing to look at. “The state is subsidizing Duck Dynasty and Swamp People. The stars set the large salaries but the Louisiana residents who work for the movie industry are mostly in minimum wage jobs” said Brown. He also voiced opposition to state subsidies to the Saints and Pelicans but Brown doesn’t think that will ever change because of the huge New Orleans vote in the Legislature.

Another issue facing lawmakers is the TOPS scholarship program. Brown says he supports it “but if it is totally free, people see no value in it.” He says “about 30% of students receiving TOPS drop out of college in the first year to year and a half. If they get a degree that’s great, but if they play around and don’t finish, they should have to pay it back.” Representative Kenny Cox voiced a similar sentiment in a recent Journal interview. Brown believes the legislature will find a way to fund the TOPS program this year.

Some final thoughts from Representative Brown are that citizens do not want the state to cut back services. He thinks closing health units, cutbacks in higher education, and salaries offered teachers should be addressed. Brown said “to get the best, we’re going to have to pay the best.

At approximately 10:00 a.m. on March 27, 2017 a Red River Parish Sheriff’s Office (RRPSO) deputy initiated a traffic stop on Ringgold Ave. in Coushatta after observing an unrestrained passenger in a moving vehicle. As the deputy approached the vehicle to make contact with the driver, a strong odor consistent with the smell of marijuana emanated from the car.

A subsequent search of the vehicle yielded the following: 26 individually packaged baggies of suspected marijuana, cigars typically used to roll marijuana, clear baggies used for packaging, 2 digital scales and a .40 caliber handgun. In total, the suspected marijuana amounted to 30 grams.

Derrick Jones, B/M, age 21 of the 1700 block of Brittain St., Coushatta, LA was placed under arrest without incident and transported to the Red River Parish Jail. He was booked on charges of: Possession of Schedule I Marijuana with Intent to Distribute, Possession of Firearm in the Presence of a Controlled Dangerous Substance and Possession of Drug Paraphernalia.

Jones posted an $8,000 bond on March 29, 2017 and was released pending a trial date.