Man arrested after threats against Bayou Vista business

A 75-year-old man was arrested early Tuesday after Berwick police were told about threats to "shoot up" a store in Bayou Vista, police said.

At 7:53 a.m. Tuesday, two individuals reported to the Berwick Police Department that a man was inside a Berwick store while making threats to “shoot up” a store in the Bayou Vista area. Berwick Police officers and detectives immediately began investigating and coordinated with the St. Mary Parish Sheriff’s Office so the business in Bayou Vista could be secured.

Based on the witness statements and their description of the suspect, detectives were able to quickly identify the suspect and take him into custody at his residence within minutes of the threats being made. The suspect was identified as 75-year-old Donald Johnson, Fourth Street, in Berwick, the Police Department said.

At the conclusion of the investigation, Johnson was placed under arrest on a charge of terrorizing, and detectives determined that these threats were not credible.

"However, any threats of violence made against the public will be investigated thoroughly and any criminal charges that apply will be enforced," the Police Department said.

Chief of Police David Leonard commends the public for reporting these threats immediately to the police and he also thanks the St. Mary Parish Sheriff’s Office for its swift response to the local business to get it secured.

This item was edited to make it clear the charge on which Johnson was arrested was terrorizing.