Officials in Bogalusa, in Washington Parish, are concerned with the recent increase in violence in their small town. Last Friday night a gunfight erupted outside Bogalusa High School’s Homecoming game; forcing the game to be ended early. Bogalusa Police Chief Kendall Bullen says a 15-year-old triggerman was shot and killed, and he expects others to be arrested soon…
“We’re still asking for some assistance with identifying a few suspects that we have on video, but I do look forward to it being solved within the next few days,” Bullen says.
The Bogalusa Lumberjacks were hosting Jewel Sumner High of Kentwood for Homecoming, when a group of at least three youths began shooting at each other outside the stadium. The shot caused a panic which ended the game. Chief Bullen says, the victim – 15-year-old Jerry Smith – was known to be involved in criminal activity…
“The victim…is from Covington, and he was actually a suspect in a previous shooting, a week before this shooting.”
Bogalusa has seen an alarming increase in crime. There have been 64 shootings so far this year, and 8 homicides, as compared with 6 murders in all of 2021. Mayor Wendy Perrette fears her community is being spoiled by what she calls “brazen”, lawless behavior at what should have been a joyous event…
“It was a good time for our community. We were all proud of our “Jacks” and proud to be alumni…and it was a good time to be had, but then we had these people ruin it for us all,” Perrette says.
Chief Bullen says arrests in last Friday’s shooting are imminent. Bogalusa High was ahead 46-27 when the game was called. They get credit for the win.
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