Police up patrols, chief issues letter following incidents

Several incidents in Morgan City that occurred during the past couple of days, allegedly related to unsanctioned homecoming activities, have caused police to increase patrols in the affected areas and the police chief to issue a letter in regard to the incidents.

On Sunday, four people were injured in Morgan City by “those who chose to act irresponsibly and place others at risk and serious injuries,” Morgan City Police Chief James Blair said in a statement.

Two teens were criminally charged in an incident where they allegedly fired BB-guns out of a vehicle in Lakeside Subdivision and injured four people.

“That random act, instead of being a wake-up call to some, fell on deaf ears,” Blair said.

The Morgan City Police Department increased police presence in various neighborhoods to discourage any unwanted behavior, while allowing students some freedom to celebrate and enjoy the activities associated with homecoming week.

“However, the following night activities led to more victims notifying the Morgan City Police Department of more malicious behavior,” Blair said.

Vehicles and other property were spray painted causing damages, the chief said.

There were more reports of reckless driving, placing, not only people who wished to celebrate at risk of death or bodily injury, but those who reside in the affected neighborhoods, Blair said.

Police received reports of trespassers, damage to fences and flowerbeds. There were reports of residents being harassed, bullied and threatened because they asked some students to leave their property and not engage in activity which could result in damage, Blair said.

These complaints have been supported by video evidence, photographs, and statements, the chief said.

On Monday morning, after the numerous reports of incidents, an officer made an attempt to post information to keep parents and students informed about what is actually taking place to give them the information necessary to make a decision on what activities in which children should participate.

The term “cancelled” was used and led some to applaud such actions but caused confusion and misunderstanding, Blair said.

That post indicated that police or other officials sponsor, endorse or support such activity, but that is not the case, Blair said.

“We do not interfere with the free movement of persons who lawfully do so. We support anything and any activity that is a healthy display of support for our schools,” Blair said.

St. Mary Parish Schools Superintendent Leonard Armato said the school-sanctioned homecoming activities are “well-planned,” and no problems have occurred with those activities.

“The problems occur after hours, after the school-sanctioned activities,” Armato said. “We encourage parents to know where their kids are going at night (and) understand that if they break the law, area police departments will arrest them.”

But we do not support the victimization of others and their property on the basis of “tradition.” The tradition of innocent toilet paper pranks has evolved into activities that are “unnecessary and hurtful,” Blair said.

Blair asks parents to sit and speak with their teenagers. Incidents that involve bullying, damage, trespassing, among other things, cannot be tolerated in a community for any reason, he said.

Toilet paper and related activities with the owner’s permission are encouraged and supported, Blair said. Community and school pride are welcome, the chief said.

Area schools continue to schedule events meant to allow students to interact with classmates and friends, Blair said. “Parents can follow suit,” Blair said. “In time, these events can return back to the clean, harmless fun it once was.”

Anyone with questions should contact the Morgan City Police Department at 985-380-4605.