Lake Charles, Louisiana – The Calcasieu Parish Sheriff’s Office is investigating a shots-fired incident at a Lake Charles nightclub that has led to several arrests, including on drug and weapons charges, authorities reported.
According to the Sheriff’s Office, deputies responded around 2:30 a.m. on December 14 to a local nightclub on Common Street in Lake Charles after receiving a report of shots fired inside the business. During the initial investigation, deputies learned that a firearm had been discharged inside the club. No injuries were reported.
Later that morning, investigators say 26-year-old Cameron B. Charles of Pearland, Texas, turned himself in to the Calcasieu Parish Sheriff’s Office. He was arrested and booked into the Calcasieu Correctional Center.
Charles faces multiple charges in connection with the nightclub incident, including:
- Aggravated assault with a firearm
- Illegal use of a weapon
- Possession of a firearm in the premises of an alcoholic beverage outlet
- Aggravated criminal damage to property
Aggravated assault with a firearm typically refers to threatening another person with a gun in a way that creates a serious risk of harm, while aggravated criminal damage to property involves intentionally damaging property in circumstances that could endanger human life.
Judge Tony Fazzio set Charles’ bond at $357,500, according to the Sheriff’s Office.
Search Warrants Lead To Additional Arrests
Deputies continued the investigation after the nightclub incident, and search warrants were later executed at related locations.
Following the execution of a search warrant at a home on Stingray Drive in Lake Charles, deputies arrested two additional suspects:
- Brionna M. Moore, 25, of Lake Charles
- Henry J. Chretien, 34, of Lake Charles
Both Moore and Chretien were booked into the Calcasieu Correctional Center. They are each charged with:
- Two counts of possession of Schedule I controlled dangerous substances (CDS I) with intent to distribute
- Three counts of possession of Schedule II controlled dangerous substances (CDS II)
- Illegal carrying of a weapon during the commission of a crime or in the presence of a controlled dangerous substance
In Louisiana, Schedule I drugs (CDS I) are substances considered to have a high potential for abuse and no accepted medical use, while Schedule II drugs (CDS II) also have a high potential for abuse but may have restricted medical uses. “Intent to distribute” generally means authorities believe the drugs were not just for personal use, but for sale or delivery to others.
Chretien faces an additional charge of possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, which is a felony offense that can carry significant prison time if convicted.
The Sheriff’s Office said bonds for Moore and Chretien are still pending.
Ongoing Investigation In Lake Charles
No injuries have been reported in connection with the nightclub shooting or the subsequent search warrant operations.
Detective Shane Broussard with the Calcasieu Parish Sheriff’s Office is serving as the lead investigator in the case. The Combined Anti-Drug Task Force, known as the C.A.T. Team, assisted in the investigation, particularly with the narcotics and weapons-related aspects.
Authorities say the investigation remains ongoing.
All persons are presumed innocent until proven guilty.