Authorities Arrested Two in Louisiana in Connection with a Roadside Fight with Juveniles Involving a Whip and Wooden Bat

Jeff Davis Parish, Louisiana – Two people were arrested by authorities in Louisiana in connection with a roadside fight involving juveniles and weapons such as a whip and a wooden bat.

The Jeff Davis Parish Sheriff’s Office reported on May 15, 2023, that on May 14, at around 6:30 p.m., Deputies patrolling on Louisiana Highway 101 near Lacassine, Louisiana were flagged down by a passing motorist. An altercation was reported in the ditch on the south side of the interstate near the service road, according to deputies.

At the site, deputies discovered several juveniles and two adults. They tried to leave but were told to stop. Authorities reportedly discovered that the fight began on the river in Oberlin, Louisiana, and continued until one vehicle forced the other off the road, where deputies spotted them.
The two adults fought with the juveniles after exiting their vehicle with a whip and a wooden bat.

Raven Leigh Cole, 28, and Hunter Wayne Blanchard, 25, both of Lafayette, Louisiana, were arrested and booked into the parish jail.

Blanchard was booked for Disturbing the Peace by fighting, Aggravated Assault, Aggravated Second Degree Battery, and Cruelty to Juveniles.
Cole was booked for Cruelty to juveniles, Aggravated Second Degree Battery, and Aggravated Assault (3 counts).

An arrest is an indication that probable cause exists to believe the subject was involved in the offense alleged. All persons are presumed innocent until proven guilty.

About Jeff Davis Parish: Jeff Davis Parish is located in the southwestern part of Louisiana. The parish comprises five incorporated towns, including Elton, Fenton, Jennings, Lake Arthur, and Welsh, and many unincorporated areas, such as Barnsdall, Buller, China, Coverdale, Edna, Foremans Hall, Hathaway, Lacassine, and Raymond. The major transportation routes in the parish include Interstate 10, which runs east and west through the center of the parish, providing access to local markets.