Lake Charles, Louisiana - Law enforcement agencies in Calcasieu Parish have announced significant results from ongoing joint operations targeting criminal activity at local bars and establishments. Led by Calcasieu Parish Sheriff Stitch Guillory, Lake Charles Police Department Chief Shawn Caldwell, Louisiana State Police Troop D, and the Calcasieu Parish District Attorney’s Office, these efforts—underway since July—are focused on areas where individuals gather outside, particularly in parking lots, to participate in illegal activity.
Authorities reported 13 felony arrests during the latest operation, alongside the seizure of seven illegally possessed firearms, one of which was identified as stolen. Law enforcement officers also seized over 400 grams of marijuana, 12 Xanax pills, and nine pressed fentanyl pills.
Sheriff Guillory emphasized that the intersection of guns, drugs, and alcohol in these settings poses a “bad situation,” noting, “There is also no reason a person needs an AR-15 at a bar, and the fact that a juvenile was arrested during one of these incidents is unacceptable.” He also thanked bar owners who have chosen to work closely with law enforcement to increase safety.
Chief Caldwell reinforced the commitment to sustained enforcement. “This is not a onetime effort. We will continue to work with our law enforcement partners and conduct these operations until the message is clear: this type of activity will not be tolerated in our community.”
District Attorney Stephen Dwight stated his office is prepared to aggressively prosecute offenders and work with law enforcement to prevent future crimes.
Among those arrested were individuals facing a range of felony charges, including possession of firearms by convicted felons, possession of stolen firearms, distribution and possession of various controlled dangerous substances (CDS), contributing to the delinquency of a juvenile, armed robbery, obstruction of justice, and resisting officers. One 16-year-old juvenile was also arrested for possession and intent to distribute drugs in the presence of a firearm.
While recent data show Calcasieu Parish’s violent crime rate exceeds the national average, local law enforcement leaders maintain that the area is safe and are committed to ensuring that offenders realize they will be held accountable. Officials indicated that although there may have been a recent uptick in some types of crime, overall rates in Lake Charles, for example, have not increased year to date.
This proactive approach is part of a broader strategy to deter criminal activity at gathering spots and reassure residents that community safety remains a top priority. Operations remain ongoing, with further arrests anticipated as local agencies continue their collaborative enforcement efforts.
List of Suspects Arrested in Lake Charles
Fabian A. Green, 26 arrested for: possession of a firearm by a convicted felon; traffic violation
Taaj Coleman, 19 arrested for: possession of a stolen firearm; possession of marijuana; possession of drug paraphernalia; traffic violation
Devonte Guillory, 20 arrested for: warrant for possession of a firearm with obliterated serial numbers
Tevin K. Brooks, 34 arrested for: possession of a firearm by a convicted felon; illegal window tint
Halbert J. Adams, 35 arrested for: p&p warrant: 2 counts of armed robbery with the use of a firearm
Dedric J. Lasalle, 21 arrested for: possession of cds ii; possession of cds iv; traffic violation
Michael R. Darby, 21 arrested for: possession of cds i with intent to distribute; possession of a firearm in the presence of cds; contributing to the delinquency of a juvenile
Kayda N. Joseph, 20 arrested for: possession of cds i with intent to distribute; possession of a firearm in the presence of cds; contributing to the delinquency of a juvenile
Devonte D. Guidroz, 20 arrested for: resisting an officer; possession of cds i with intent to distribute; possession of a firearm in the presence of cds; contributing to the delinquency of a juvenile
16-year-old Juvenile arrested for: possession of cds i with intent to distribute; possession of a firearm in the presence of cds
Shannon D. Bell, Jr., 21 arrested for: traffic violation; expired mvi; aggravated flight from officer; obstruction of justice; possession of drug paraphernalia; possession of marijuana with intent to distribute; possession of a firearm in the presence of cds; possession of legend drug
Travis M. Gerard Melbert, 23 arrested for: obstruction of justice; possession of drug paraphernalia; possession of marijuana with intent to distribute; possession of a firearm in the presence of cds; possession of legend drug
Rodney J. Dejean III, 19 arrested for: resisting an officer; obstruction of justice; possession of drug paraphernalia; possession of marijuana with intent to distribute; possession of a firearm in the presence of cds; possession of legend drug
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.