A Gonzales woman with a visible role in local politics was arrested Wednesday after Hammond police say a man was found with a gunshot wound to the chest on Perry Lane. Witnesses at the scene identified her as Kemlyn Lomas, according to police. The man was taken to a nearby hospital, where he was listed in stable but critical condition, and officers say Lomas later turned herself in, facing multiple felony counts.
What police say
According to WDSU, officers responded to reports of a shooting on Perry Lane on May 27 and found a man suffering from a chest wound. The station reports that the victim was transported to a local hospital in stable but critical condition and that witnesses at the scene identified Lomas as the alleged shooter. Police say she left the area before later turning herself in to the Hammond Police Department.
Suspect's account and charges
As reported by WBRZ, Lomas told investigators she confronted the man because she believed he was there with another woman, and said a physical struggle followed. She told police she used a taser, then went to her car to retrieve a gun. During a struggle over the firearm, it discharged and struck the victim, according to WBRZ. The outlet reports she was booked on attempted manslaughter, aggravated battery with a dangerous weapon and illegal use of a weapon.
Local background
Lomas serves on the City of Gonzales Planning & Zoning Commission and ran for mayor in 2024, ultimately losing to Tim Riley in a runoff, local reporting shows. WAFB covered the election results. Her public role in Ascension Parish has made the arrest a closely watched development for local officials and residents.
What happens next
Police say the case will move through the criminal justice system, where prosecutors will decide on formal charges and bond at arraignment. WBRZ has the arrest and charge details, and court dockets from the Tangipahoa Parish clerk are expected to show arraignment information once it is posted. Authorities have not released the victim's name as of this report.
