An initiative aimed at stemming an uptick in gun violence in St. John the Baptist Parish has resulted in almost two dozen firearms taken off the streets as well as several arrests, Sheriff Mike Tregre announced today.

Following recent shootings in the parish, the SWAT team was deployed to follow-up on investigative leads and tips from the community related to criminal activity, and to saturate the areas of concern with law enforcement presence. Led by Lt. Jake Boudreaux, the SWAT team professionally, yet aggressively, targeted the criminal element in the parish. “Every resource available was used to reduce and eliminate crime in St. John Parish,” Sheriff Mike Tregre said.

This initiative resulted in the recovery of 21 firearms and the arrest of 32 offenders over the course of five days, July 14-18, 2021. Offenders charges ranged from illegal carrying of weapons, possession of stolen firearms and other drug and gun offenses as well as flight from an officer.

“We want these illegally used guns off our streets and out of our neighborhoods,” Sheriff Mike Tregre said. “These enhanced patrols will continue as needed to ensure the safety of our citizens, and anytime we receive tips from the community that help law enforcement.”