Baton Rouge news

• Police arrest convicted sex offender for first-degree rape

  10-05-2024 14:58 via wbrz.com
  
  BATON ROUGE - Police arrested a convicted sex offender for first-degree rape Friday after he allegedly had indecent behavior with a juvenile.Christopher Ryan Francis, 51, was arrested on the 1200 block of Pickett Avenue after an anonymous tip. Francis was booked for first-degree rape and indecent behavior with juveniles.Francis is a registered sex offender who was convicted in 2009 on a count of indecent behavior with a juvenile. He was released from prison in 2017, according to the sex offende
  
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• LSU baseball defeats South Carolina after late-inning heroics; Tigers play in SEC Tournament Semifinals on Saturday

  23-05-2024 21:05 via wbrz.com
  
  The Tigers got the best of the South Carolina Gamecocks on Thursday night winning in a close one 11-10. LSU found themselves down late, but a 2 run eighth and ninth inning help propel Jay Johnson's squad to victory. LSU struck first in the 2nd inning when Steven Milliam singled to right field to knock in Josh Pearson, but South Carolina exploded for five runs in the 3rd inning after Nate Ackenhausen came in to relieve Thatcher Hurd. However, The Tiger gained momentum
  
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• Shaquille O'Neal joins in Capitol Middle School's gratitude toward school resource officer

  23-05-2024 20:45 via wbrz.com
  
  BATON ROUGE - A former LSU superstar joined a Baton Rouge middle school's effort to celebrate a school resource officer Thursday.Capitol Middle School held a ceremony honoring school resource officer Lieutenant James Jamison. Principal Karla Johnson decided to celebrate SRO Jamison for his dedication and always going above and beyond for that school community.NBA Hall of Famer and former LSU star Shaquille O'Neal also sent a video expressing his gratitude to Jamison.Permalink| Comments
  
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• LPSO deputy honored for actions during May 2023 shootout at Denham Springs shopping center

  23-05-2024 18:54 via wbrz.com
  
  DENHAM SPRINGS - The Denham Springs Kiwanis Club honored an deputy for his actions during a May 2023 shootout that resulted in an officer dying.LPSO Deputy Dakota Naquin was honored due to him ending a shootout that resulted in the death of Cpl. Shawn Kelly. Kelly responded to a disturbance at a shopping center on May 11, 2023, where a man reportedly started shooting when police arrived, and officers returned fire. Kelly was shot multiple times during the confrontation and later died after bein
  
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• Funeral to be held in Opelousas for local plastic surgeon, two children who died in plane crash

  23-05-2024 18:30 via wbrz.com
  
  BATON ROUGE - A funeral will be held in Opelousas for a Baton Rouge-based plastic surgeon and his two children after the three died in a plane crash outside of Nashville.Lucius Doucet and his two adult children, Giselle and Jean-Luc Doucet, flew out of Gonzales before their plane crashed in Tennessee last week.Alongside Lucius' practice of Williamson Cosmetic Center, he was also an assistant clinical professor at both LSU and Tulane University’s Plastic Surgery Fellowship Programs. Gi
  
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• DOTD looking into additional signage after two 18-wheelers flip at same roundabout in Sorrento

  23-05-2024 17:48 via wbrz.com
  
  SORRENTO - It took several hours to clear an overturned tanker truck filled with hazardous chemicals from the roadway on Monday after it flipped onto its side.Multiple agencies were called to the roundabout on La. 22 at La. 70 near I-10 on Monday afternoon. The State Department of Transportation and Development says there is strong evidence that the driver of the truck was speeding. Last August, another big truck rolled over at the same location and the cause of that accident has not b
  
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• Damage surveys confirm additional tornadoes from Monday, May 13th

  23-05-2024 17:27 via wbrz.com
  
  On the heels of last week's severe weather, the National Weather Service (NWS) completed another round of damage surveys. The NWS has determined that three additional tornadoes touched down from storms on the night of Monday, May 13th, 2024. Two of those tornadoes tracked through portions of Iberville Parish, while third did damage in Livingston Parish. That brings the total count from May 13th to four, which includes previously confirmed tornado near Livonia.Tornado #1 - Iberville Parish:An EF
  
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• Tangipahoa Parish deputies searching for suspects in Ponchatoula drive-by

  23-05-2024 16:35 via wbrz.com
  
  PONCHATOULA — The Tangipahoa Parish Sheriff's Office is seeking to identify the suspect of a drive-by shooting that took place on North 1st Street in Ponchatoula.The shooting took place on the night of May 2 when the occupants of a white car were traveling behind the victim on North 1st Street, deputies said. The suspects then opened fire on the victim's vehicle. The victim was able to get away with no injuries. Detectives obtained security footage from a nearby business, whi
  
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• Tangipahoa Parish deputies attempting to identify suspect in Ponchatoula drive-by

  23-05-2024 16:35 via wbrz.com
  
  PONCHATOULA — The Tangipahoa Parish Sheriff's Office is seeking to identify the suspect of a drive-by shooting that took place on North 1st Street in Ponchatoula.The shooting took place on the night of May 2 when the occupants of a white car were traveling behind the victim on North 1st Street, deputies said. The suspects then opened fire on the victim's vehicle. The victim was able to get away with no injuries. Detectives obtained security footage from a nearby business, whi
  
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• Memorial Day Valor Gallery opens at the East Baton Rouge Library

  23-05-2024 16:14 via wbrz.com
  
  BATON ROUGE - The mayor's office hosted its first Memorial Day Valor Gallery at the East Baton Rouge Main Library on Goodwood Boulevard Thursday.More than 65 military families submitted photos of their loved ones to be displayed on the walls of the library. Acting Chair of the Mayor's Advisory Council on Veterans Affairs, Elena Branzaru, says this is a way to keep their memories alive."This was a way for us to have a memorial for people, so that we can continue to have them alive in ou
  
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• Police warns public of scam letter sent to people claiming they owe taxes

  23-05-2024 15:50 via wbrz.com
  
  HAMMOND - The Tangipahoa Parish Sheriff's Office warned the public of a scam letter claiming the recipient owes a tax debt.The letter, which states its from "Tax Assessment Securities - Tangipahoa County", tells the recipient that they have not paid a tax and directs them to a number. The number goes to a third-party company claiming to be a law firm that attempts to gain personal information from the caller.TPSO advises anyone who receives the letters to disregard and trash the letter. Detecti
  
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• Louisiana's take on 'Don't Say Gay' bill to limit gender discussion in classrooms passes, heads to governor

  23-05-2024 15:38 via wbrz.com
  
  BATON ROUGE — The Louisiana Senate gave final passage Thursday to a bill that would outlaw the discussion of sexual orientation and gender identity in public schools.The bill, which is similar to "Don't Say Gay" legislation in Florida and Texas, heads to Gov. Jeff Landry's desk. He is expected to sign the bill.HB122, authored by Rep. Dodie Horton, R-Haughton, would prohibit teachers from discussing "sexual orientation or gender identity in any classroom discussion or instruction in a
  
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• Bill to outlaw sexual, gender identity discussion in classroom passes legislature, awaits governor's signature

  23-05-2024 15:38 via wbrz.com
  
  BATON ROUGE — The Louisiana Senate gave final passage to a bill Thursday that would outlaw the discussion of sexual orientation and gender identity in public school.The bill, which is similar to other "Don't Say Gay" bills proposed in states like Florida and Texas, now goes to Gov. Jeff Landry's desk. He is expected to sign the bill into law.If signed into law, HB 122, authored by Rep. Dodie Horton, R-Haughton, would prohibit teachers from discussing "sexual orientation or gender iden
  
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• Police searching for husband of woman found badly decomposed in Baton Rouge home; man wanted for separate crime

  23-05-2024 14:46 via wbrz.com
  
  BATON ROUGE - Three days after a woman’s badly decomposed body was found in a Baton Rouge home May 12, police got a warrant for her husband’s arrest in an unrelated crime. Joseph Solar III has not yet been arrested, and the cause of Bridget Boutwell’s death has not been determined.Boutwell’s sister Danielle Boutwell told WBRZ that Solar told family members Boutwell had shot herself. She had been out of touch with her daughter and sister for about two week
  
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• Police searching for husband of woman found badly decomposed in Baton Rouge home

  23-05-2024 14:46 via wbrz.com
  
  BATON ROUGE - Three days after a woman’s badly decomposed body was found in a Baton Rouge home May 12, police got a warrant for her husband’s arrest in an unrelated crime. Joseph Solar III has not yet been arrested, and the cause of Bridget Boutwell’s death has not been determined.Boutwell’s sister Danielle Boutwell told WBRZ that Solar told family members Boutwell had shot herself. She had been out of touch with her daughter and sister for about two week
  
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• Louisiana lawmakers OK first-in-the-nation plan to list abortion pills as controlled substances

  23-05-2024 14:43 via wbrz.com
  
  BATON ROUGE — The Louisiana Senate gave final approval Thursday to a bill targeting access to two drugs used in medical abortions, agreeing to place them on a list of the state's controlled substances even though neither are subject to addiction. No other state has done so.Gov. Jeff Landry is expected the sign the bill, which would take effect upon his approval. In a 29-7 vote, senators backed Sen. Thomas Pressley's bill that targeted attempts to induce abortions in unsuspect
  
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• Governor Landry announces council member appointments for St. George

  23-05-2024 14:30 via wbrz.com
  
  BATON ROUGE - Governor Jeff Landry announced five people to serve as council members for the city of St. George.Landry announced Steven Monachello will serve District 1, Ryan Heck will serve District 2, Max Himmel will serve District 3, and that Richie Edmonds and Patty Cook will serve as aldermen-at-large.Monachello worked with the East Baton Rouge Sheriff's Office, Louisiana State Police, the Drug Enforcement Administration, the U.S Department of Homeland Security, and he currently works for
  
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• Man arrested for attempted murder after allegedly setting fire to building with someone inside

  23-05-2024 14:20 via wbrz.com
  
  PRAIRIEVILLE - A man was arrested for attempted murder after setting fire to a building he was staying in while someone was inside, according to the Louisiana Office of State Fire Marshal.Christopher McCumber, 53, was booked into the Ascension Parish Hail on one count each of attempted second-degree murder and aggravated arson.Officials say the Prairieville Fire Department responded to a call around midnight May 21 of a structure fire in the 15000 block of Palmetto Lane. One person was inside,
  
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• State Police issues notice about motor inspection stickers that expire in 2026 fading

  23-05-2024 14:16 via wbrz.com
  
  BATON ROUGE — Motor Vehicle Inspection stickers issued for 2026 have the potential to fade prematurely, Louisiana State Police said in a statement Thursday.Upon initial adhesion to a vehicle windshield, the “26” sticker has a yellow background, State Police said. Due to sun exposure, the sticker may potentially fade from yellow to clear or white, making it harder to identify what the expiration date is at quick glance.Individuals who have received 2026 MVI stickers
  
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• Louisiana entering another hurricane season in insurance crisis

  23-05-2024 14:16 via wbrz.com
  
  BATON ROUGE - This hurricane season, property owners are still navigating an expensive insurance market."I think we're very deep in an insurance crisis," said Louisiana Department of Insurance Commissioner Tim Temple.After a tough 2020 and 2021, four hurricanes and 800,000 insurance claims, Louisiana remains in an insurance crisis. Three years later, Louisiana may still not be attractive to insurers but Temple says change is happening."Everybody is frustrated, we want to restore confidence in o
  
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• Emergency Medical Service workers honored during National EMS Week

  23-05-2024 14:10 via wbrz.com
  
  BATON ROUGE — This week is EMS Week, which celebrates all emergency medical service workers across the state. Each day, EMS workers sacrifice their time and give it their all to save people in emergency situations."Its the 50th anniversary of EMS week, so were honoring the people in the field of ems who have sacrificed their time, skill and service to serve their communities," said Ian Vincent, operations manager at Acadian Ambulance.Classes are also held each month that welcomes new
  
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• West Jeff student injured by gunfire moments after school lets out for the summer

  23-05-2024 13:53 via wbrz.com
  
  HARVEY — A student was shot near West Jefferson High School moments after the campus discharged students for the summer, the Jefferson Parish Sheriff's Office said. The extent of his injuries wasn't known.Panicked students fled after the shooting, and those who remained on campus were held in a gymnasium, officials said."Every year, for the last day of school, we do put additional security around the campuses because, you know, to try to avoid something like this happening," sheriff's
  
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• LDWF warns of possible fish kills ahead of streak of high temperatures

  23-05-2024 13:34 via wbrz.com
  
  BATON ROUGE - With temperatures rising even before the official first day of summer, the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries warns residents of possible fish kills that may be imminent. The shallow wetlands and aquatic habitats around the state are vulnerable to becoming hypoxic, or low in oxygen. Warm water has a lower capacity to retain oxygen than cooler water, so fish populations are vulnerable to dying off en masse during a heat wave. Fish kills can be reported
  
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• Community shows support for officer by raising funds for him after heart transplant surgery

  23-05-2024 13:04 via wbrz.com
  
  NEW ROADS - This afternoon the Pointe Coupee Sheriff's Office sold jambalaya lunches in New Roads to raise money for one of their deputies recovering from surgery.Sergeant Mike Batiste under went a heart transplant three months ago in Houston and is still recovering in the hospital. His family says they're unsure how much longer he needs to stay there.Sheriff Rene Thibodeaux told us he wanted to organize this fundraiser to show the community's support for him."He's one of our people, a very gre
  
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• Amazon hosting virtual hiring session for new facility in District 6 at former Cortana Mall

  23-05-2024 12:53 via wbrz.com
  
  BATON ROUGE — On Thursday, the new Amazon facility in North Baton Rouge will host a hiring session to answer questions about open job positions.The new facility will employ more than 1,000 full time employees with a pay starting at $17 an hour.The facility is not just bringing new jobs to the region, it's also making a big impact on the economy and revitalization of District 6."Other business are going to look to invest here. We've seen planet fitness make a more full time permanent i
  
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• BRPD detectives attempting to identify person believed to steal credit cards, spent $3,200

  23-05-2024 12:45 via wbrz.com
  
  BATON ROUGE - BRPD detectives are attempting to identify someone who allegedly stole two different debit or credit cards and spent over $3,200 in unauthorized purchases.Investigators believe this individual went to several stores around town to make the purchases.If you have any information on the identity of this individual, contact Crime Stoppers at 225-344-STOP (344-7867).Permalink| Comments
  
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• Two arrested for Denham Springs vehicle burglaries after police find vehicle flipped

  23-05-2024 12:41 via wbrz.com
  
  DENHAM SPRINGS - The Livingston Parish Sheriff's Office arrested three people for their alleged involvement in the theft of two vehicles from the Denham Springs apartments.According to LPSO, they recovered the vehicles from St. John Parish and one was flipped over in the Juban Crossing Shopping Center. This led LPSO to identify three suspects.Police arrested Derek Touchstone and Keegan Perkins on unspecified charges. Additionally, Madyson Yarbrough bonded out after receiving charges of one coun
  
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• 2une In Previews: Southern University Alumni Conference

  23-05-2024 12:28 via wbrz.com
  
  BATON ROUGE - It's a huge class reunion - Southern University will host its annual Alumni Conference next month. "The Conference will be held on the Baton Rouge campus—fellowship with alums from across the country represented by all five campuses. We are striving for continual education and alumni awareness of our great University," officials said.For more information, watch the video above or register here. Permalink| Comments
  
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• Former Addis police officer turns himself in after guilty plea to vehicular manslaughter of Brusly teens

  23-05-2024 12:18 via wbrz.com
  
  ADDIS — A former Addis Police officer who pleaded guilty to the manslaughter of two teenagers and negligent injuring of another in a crash during a reckless pursuit turned himself in Thursday morning.David Cauthron, 42, was sentenced to 32 years in prison, with 22 years suspended, after he ran a red light while chasing a suspect and crashed into a car, killing Brusly High students Maggie Dunn, 17, and Caroline Gill, 15, on New Year's Eve in 2022. WBRZ reported that Cauthron was drivin
  
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• TSA will now accept digital drivers licenses at MSY, 26 other airports

  23-05-2024 09:36 via wbrz.com
  
  NEW ORLEANS - Starting Thursday, Louisiana residents can now use their LA Wallet digital IDs to pass through TSA and make flying that much easier. Residents can now use the QR code in the official LA Wallet app to scan through TSA rather than presenting an agent with a physical ID card at Louis Armstrong International Airport and 26 other participating airports around the country. Louisiana is the eighth state to adopt digital ID acceptability. LA Wallet can be downlo
  
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