Lake Charles, Louisiana - Lake Charles police have arrested a 19-year-old man in connection with a drive-by shooting that damaged a home and vehicle in the 1500 block of Moeling Street on September 22, 2025.
Rodney Dejean, 19, of Lake Charles, Louisiana, faces charges of aggravated criminal damage to property and six counts of assault by drive-by shooting. Judge Mike Canaday set his bond at $1.625 million.
The Lake Charles Police Department received notification of the incident at approximately 5:51 p.m. Sunday evening. Officers responded to reports of gunfire in the residential area.
Upon arrival, officers learned that a homeowner was inside her residence with multiple children when gunfire erupted outside. The victim heard the sound of shots followed by a vehicle speeding away from the area.
The homeowner waited before venturing outside to assess the situation. When she emerged from her home, she discovered bullet holes in both her vehicle and residence, confirming that her property had been struck during the shooting.
The case was transferred to the department's detective division for further investigation. Through interviews and evidence collection, detectives gathered sufficient information to pursue charges against Dejean.
Following their investigation, detectives obtained an arrest warrant for the 19-year-old suspect. Law enforcement located Dejean in the 1400 block of 14th Street, where he was taken into custody without incident.
After his arrest, Dejean was transported to the Calcasieu Parish Correctional Center, where he remains housed pending further legal proceedings.
The charges against Dejean carry serious penalties. Assault by drive-by shooting is considered a violent felony under Louisiana law, while aggravated criminal damage to property involves the intentional destruction of another person's belongings under circumstances that create a risk of harm.
Corporal Brennan Bernat served as the initial responding officer to the scene. Detective Christian Arabie led the investigation that resulted in Dejean's arrest, while Delaci Johnson handled evidence collection and processing.
The Lake Charles Police Department encourages anyone with information about this incident to contact them at 337-491-1311. Citizens may also submit anonymous tips through the Lake Charles Police Department mobile application.
All persons are presumed innocent until proven guilty.