Reports of gunfire on a LaPlace side street early Sunday ended with six teenagers in custody and four guns pulled from a car, authorities said. Deputies responding to the 1100 block of Bert Street said surveillance video from the area showed several people getting out of a vehicle, pulling items from the trunk and flashes consistent with muzzle fire before the group drove off. A deputy arriving on scene reported seeing the same vehicle turn east onto Airline Highway and continue eastbound in the westbound lanes as it fled.
Who was arrested
As reported by WDSU, deputies arrested six people, including two juveniles, and recovered four guns from the car. The driver was identified as 19-year-old Winton Jackson of Paradis. He, 18-year-old Bryant Tederick Antoine of Marrero and 19-year-old Jaylon Jaron Wilson of Marrero were each charged with illegal use of weapons or dangerous instrumentalities and contributing to the delinquency of juveniles. Vernon Holmes, 17, of Harvey, faces illegal-use charges, and two 16-year-olds, one from LaPlace and one from Harvey, were charged with illegal possession of a handgun by a juvenile and illegal use of weapons.
Video and response
Deputies say the surveillance footage shows the car parked along Bert Street for several minutes, with flashes appearing consistent with muzzle fire before the occupants get back in and drive away. The incident unfolded on a nonresidential stretch of Bert Street, and a responding deputy reported the fleeing car heading the wrong way along Airline Highway as it left the area. The sheriff's office has outlined recent efforts to get firearms off parish streets on its website, and officials say patrols in the area will remain increased as investigations continue. For those details, see the St. John Parish Sheriff's Office.
Legal process and juvenile charges
The suspects face weapons-related and juvenile-related charges that have not yet been tested in court, and all of the accused are presumed innocent until proven guilty. Per WDSU, the minors will move through juvenile-court procedures, while the adult suspects may be booked into the parish correctional facility.
How to contact police
Anyone with information about the incident is asked to contact the St. John Parish Sheriff's Office tip line at (985) 652-9513 or submit a tip through the sheriff's website. Deputies say they will continue increased patrols in the area as part of ongoing efforts to curb gun violence.
