Ponchatoula, LA — On Thursday, Ponchatoula Police Department detectives obtained arrest warrants for six male suspects linked to the shootings during the Ponchatoula Strawberry Festival on April 12. The arrests came after executing five simultaneous residential search warrants across Ponchatoula and Hammond.
With assistance from multiple law enforcement agencies, including the Livingston Parish Sheriff’s Office, Hammond Police SWAT team, Tangipahoa Parish Sheriff’s Special Response Team, Louisiana Probation and Parole Tac Team, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives K9 division, search warrants were executed at residences on Haney Lane and Camp Street in Ponchatoula, as well as Puma Drive, Clear Lake Drive, and Easy Street in Hammond.
The following suspects were arrested and face the listed charges:
Camryn Finley, 18, Hammond – Attempted second-degree murder, terrorizing
Dealvin Davis, 18, Ponchatoula – Principal to attempted second-degree murder, terrorizing
Courtney McGee, 18, Ponchatoula – Terrorizing
Markus Dokes, 19, Ponchatoula – Terrorizing
Quentrel Smith, 18, Ponchatoula – Terrorizing
Quenton Smith, 20, Ponchatoula – Terrorizing
The charges stem from a physical altercation and subsequent shootings that caused significant disruption at the festival. The police department emphasized that such actions will not be tolerated, especially during community events like the beloved festival.
The investigation is ongoing, with additional charges anticipated. Police remind the public that all suspects are presumed innocent until proven guilty.
Ponchatoula Chief Bry Layrisson thanked all involved agencies, stating, “We will continue to work together, keeping our citizens safe.”
