On Wednesday, March 11, 2015, 8:37 pm, Saint John the Baptist Parish Sheriff’s Office deputies responded to Daiquiris and Company, 640 West Airline Highway, in Laplace for the report of shots fired. The subjects involved in the incident fled the area prior to the deputies’ arrival. No one was injured.
Witnesses told deputies that several men started fighting outside Daiquiris and Company. As the fight continued, the group moved into the adjacent parking area. One of the men produced a handgun and fired shots. Through witness accounts of the incident and over the course of the investigation, investigators identified the perpetrator as Lendell Smith, 41, of Dove Street in LaPlace.
Deputies located and arrested Smith at his residence. Deputies booked him with aggravated assault, aggravated assault with a firearm, illegal use of a weapon, and an outstanding attachment. His bond had not been set.
The investigation is ongoing. Anyone with information regarding this incident is encouraged to call the St. John the Baptist Parish Sheriff’s Office TIPS line at 985-359-TIPS or Crimestoppers at 504-822-1111. Citizens with information about this incident that call Crimestoppers do not have to testify in court and may qualify for a cash reward. Citizens can also submit tips on the Sheriff’s Office website at https://stjohnsheriff.org/crime-arrests/crime-tips/.”>https://stjohnsheriff.org/crime-arrests/crime-tips/.