Six people, including a male juvenile, were arrested Friday, July 7, 2023 in connection to a shooting that occurred near West Fifth and Main streets in LaPlace. Arrested were a 14-year-old male juvenile from Garyville; Kerry Bardell Jr., 22, of LaPlace; Cartez Foster, 21, of LaPlace; Timothy Johnson, 23, of LaPlace; Samir Wilkens, 21, of LaPlace; and Trevin Williams, 27, of Garyville.
On July 7, 2023, about 3:30 p.m., officers responded to the intersection of Main and West Fifth streets in LaPlace in reference to subjects shooting at a vehicle. Upon arrival, officers learned subjects in a black car were shooting at a black truck at the intersection. None of the vehicles involved were located at the time of the incident. No one was injured in the shooting.
Through investigation and the review of video surveillance in the area, officers developed six people as suspects who were arrested shortly after the incident.
The juvenile was charged with principle to illegal use of weapons or dangerous instrumentalities and transferred to a youth correctional facility. Bardell was charged with contributing to the delinquency of juveniles (felony) and principle to illegal use of weapons or dangerous instrumentalities. He is being held in custody in lieu of $65,000 bond.
Johnson was charged with contributing to the delinquency of juveniles (felony) and illegal use of weapons or dangerous instrumentalities. He is being held in custody lieu of a $65,000 bond. Foster was booked with principle to illegal use of weapons or dangerous instrumentalities He was released July 8.
Williams was booked with contributing to the delinquency of juveniles (felony) and illegal use of weapons or dangerous instrumentalities. He is being held in custody in lieu of a $65,000 bond. Wilkens was charged with contributing to the delinquency of juveniles (felony) and illegal use of weapons or dangerous instrumentalities. He was released July 8.
Based on further investigation, detectives also obtained a search warrant for the suspect car located on West 5th Street, and officers discovered two rifles and a pistol in the vehicle.
Anyone with information about this shooting is encouraged to call the St. John the Baptist Parish Sheriff’s Office Det. Bryon Smith at 504-494-3696 or the TIPS line at 985-359-TIPS. Citizens can also submit tips on the Sheriff’s Office website at https://stjohnsheriff.org/crime-arrests/crime-tips/