The Avoyelles Parish Library will host ‘Tales & Ales’ at Broken Wheel Brewery on Tuesday, Oct. 21, 7-9pm. 

This month’s author is the king of horror himself, Stephen King. The stories up for discussion are “The Survivor Type” and “The Last Rung on the Ladder.”

The following arrests were made by local law enforcement officers from Sept. 28 through Oct. 5.

This information has been provided by a law enforcement agency as public information. Persons named as suspects in a criminal investigation, or arrested and charged with a crime, have not been convicted of any criminal offense and are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.

Sheriff David L. Dauzat provided an update late last week regarding the social media threat circulating in the community. Working closely with Avoyelles Parish School Board and other partners, Avoyelles Parish Sheriff’s Office was able to identify the culprit.

A 13-year-old juvenile, accompanied by their parent or guardian, is now in custody. The juvenile is cooperating with investigators and has confessed to committing the crime. The juvenile has been charged with four (4) counts of Terrorizing. The juvenile will be processed through the juvenile justice system.

APSO took the opportunity to remind the public that making threats against schools or causing a public panic is illegal. Some serious criminal statutes that apply to include:

• Louisiana Revised Statute 14:40.1 – Terrorizing: Threatening violence that causes sustained fear or disrupts public order.
• Louisiana Revised Statute 14:54.6 – Communicating False Information of Planned Bombing on School Property: A specific and serious felony charge.
• Louisiana Revised Statute 14:126.2.1 – False Communication with Intent to Cause an Emergency Response: Knowingly reporting false information that leads to a major police, fire, or medical response.

Sheriff Dauzat stated, “I want to thank all of our community and law enforcement partners, including the Louisiana State Police and Moreauville Police Department for their swift response in helping our APSO Criminal Investigations Unit in resolving this case. I especially want to thank the vigilant citizens of Avoyelles Parish. This is a perfect example of what ‘if you see something, say something’ can accomplish. Your tips were crucial. We take every threat to our children and our schools with the utmost seriousness, and this swift resolution demonstrates that commitment. Again, I urge parents to talk to their children about the severe consequences of their actions online.”

An Avoyelles Parish Sheriff’s Office sergeant conducted a traffic stop on a 2012 Nissan Maxima on Louisiana Highway 1, near Simmesport for a traffic violation(s) on Saturday, Sept. 27, at approximately 7pm. The driver was identified as Daquan James Johnson, 25, of Marksville, Louisiana. Further investigation, during the stop, resulted in a search of the vehicle. The search revealed a loaded Taurus “The Judge” firearm. The firearm, located in the driver side door, was cocked and ready to fire.

Mr. Johnson is a convicted felon with an extensive criminal history in Avoyelles Parish. Mr. Johnson’s criminal record shows multiple parole revocations, and this marks his fourth arrest for illegally possessing a firearm as a convicted felon since 2021.

Sheriff Dauzat stated, “This is a prime example of excellent, proactive police work by our Patrol Sergeant. A simple traffic stop for a minor violation resulted in the arrest of a dangerous, repeat offender and the removal of another firearm from our streets. We will continue to be vigilant in our patrols to keep Avoyelles Parish safe from those who show a continued disregard for the law.”

Mr. Johnson was booked into the Avoyelles Parish Sheriff’s Office Detention Center #1. His bond was set at $5,000. However, Louisiana State Probation and Parole has placed a hold on his release. He remains incarcerated at the time.

For emergencies, always dial 911. For non-emergencies, contact the APSO office at 318-253-4000 or via email at info@AvoyellesSO.org.

All persons are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.

The Cottonport Town Council has announced a mayor and town council meeting tonight, Oct. 8, at 6pm. The meeting will be held at the KC Hall (939 Bryan St., Cottonport). 

The Avoyelles Parish School Board has announced that ParentGuidance.org is offering free virtual sessions this month to help parents and caregivers support their children’s mental health.

There are sessions starting at 6pm and 8pm, and parents are invited to join as many sessions as they prefer.

Topics include:

• Supporting Your Child After Trauma
• Parenting through Anxiety & Depression
• Emotional Regulation
• Bullying: Stop the Cycle
• Mindfulness for Improved Mental Health
• Helping Your Child Succeed
• Understanding Video Game Addiction

Register and explore the full schedule here: http://www.parentguidance.org/mhs-catalog

There will be an Ask a Therapist Live session at Oct. 21 at 7pm. There will be a Watch Together Series session tonight, Oct. 8, at 7pm. 

The Cottonport Bank will host a Burgers for Badges event this Friday, Oct. 10, 11am to 2pm.

Cottonport Bank appreciates Fire Departments, First Responders, Law Enforcement Officers, DAs, Judges, and all who help keep the community safe.

Anyone who wears a badge is invited to join Cottonport Bank for burgers, chips, drinks, and great company at one of these locations:

• Marksville Branch 144 South Main Street Marksville, LA 71351
• Mansura Branch 596 Highway 1 Mansura, LA 71350
• New Roads Branch 420 Hospital Road New Roads, LA 70760

Enter the raffle to win prizes.