Ponchatoula police say a spring night at Tasker Park turned chaotic when gunfire cut through festival-season crowds, and now four people are in custody while three more remain on the run in connection with the April shooting that wounded two people.
Three of the arrested suspects, identified as Ricky Eskridge Jr., Jaquan Woolridge and Tylen Edwards, were booked on attempted second‑degree murder charges, and officers later arrested 33‑year‑old Steve Cole, as reported by WBRZ. Police say three other men, Ramon Eskridge, David McDowell Jr. and Raymond McKay III, are still wanted and each faces a nationwide extradition order.
Officers working security at Tasker Park along North First Street heard shots ring out on April 12. Two people were hit, taken to area hospitals and are expected to recover, according to WAFB. Detectives are still piecing together what happened, leaning on tips and video from the scene as the investigation rolls on.
Police say evidence links suspects
Ponchatoula Police Chief Bry Layrisson said detectives gathered evidence tying seven people to the altercation, adding that several of the suspects have prior convictions, per WDSU. The department is urging anyone with footage or information to contact Crime Stoppers of Tangipahoa at 1‑800‑554‑5245.
Festival security and local reaction
The gunfire erupted as the Ponchatoula Strawberry Festival ran April 10–12, a weekend already on edge after social‑media chatter raised eyebrows. Organizers and law enforcement had tightened security in response to a viral rap lyric that rattled Strawberry Fest. Local reporting also noted heavy law‑enforcement activity over the festival weekend, with WAFB saying deputies confiscated a number of firearms during the event.
Legal status
The people arrested are charged with attempted second‑degree murder, and authorities say the three wanted suspects have nationwide extradition orders, according to WBRZ. All seven are presumed innocent until proven guilty in court.
