By Bonnie Culverhouse

A north Webster Parish man surrendered to Springhill Police Monday on an active distribution warrant but was charged with much more.

DeMarcus D. Brown, 32, of Legion Dr., Springhill, was arrested on distribution of Sch. I synthetic Marijuana, possession of synthetic Marijuana with intent to distribute and racketeering.

According to reports, narcotics agents obtained another warrant for possession with intent to distribute after Brown admitted he had approximately 2 ounces of synthetic Marijuana at his residence.

Agents reportedly obtained a racketeering warrant on Brown after learning of his previous felony convictions of illegal narcotics. He was booked on the warrants and transported to Bayou Dorcheat Correctional Center without incident.

By Bonnie Culverhouse

Damaging property may be a sure way to jail bar walls instead of sheetrock, as one man found out recently.

Dontrell Dawayne Talley, 28, of the 800 block of Fincher Road, Minden, was arrested by Minden Police for felony simple criminal damage to property.

Minden Police Chief Steve Cropper said Talley was residing at a Minden Housing Authority (MHA) apartment with his girlfriend, although rental regulations forbid anyone other than the renter to live there.

“The leaseholder and her child are supposed to be the sole occupants of that apartment,” Cropper said. “Apparently, Talley has been living there for an extended unknown period of time.”

Exact dates, times and method of the damage is reportedly unknown, as no MHA personnel witnessed it. However, in a statement from the MHA director, damages total between $1,600 and $1,800.

“Talley was arrested on a warrant a few days later,” Cropper said. “During booking, Ofc. Jason Smith contacted me in reference to a case involving criminal damage to property in which Talley is a suspect.”

Smith and Detective Shane Griffith interviewed Talley, and he reportedly admitted he was responsible to damage to the apartment’s heater closet, stating a 4-wheeler struck it.

“Talley said he placed the wood in the outside air conditioner unit and during a dice game, an unidentified subject swung a fire extinguisher and damaged the door of the hot water closet,” said the chief. “Talley also admitted he cut a hole in the living room wall to install a blue tooth speaker, but he denied causing damage to the doors or window.”

Talley was booked at MPD and transported to Bayou Dorcheat Correctional Center.

By Josh Beavers

By Bonnie Culverhouse

Minden Mayor Terry Gardner intends to place the City’s budget on next week’s council agenda for the sixth time.

Gardner sent an email to council members last week after meeting with Human Resources Manager, April Aguilar, District A Councilman Wayne Edwards and Michael Fluhr, Interim City Clerk.

“After an hour long discussion, I feel as though a compromise has been made,” Gardner said. “Ms. Aguilar has agreed to a 6 percent increase upon her anniversary date.”

In a previous email sent by Gardner, the following three areas of concern were addressed by Edwards and the mayor:

 A.  Keeping the council more informed;

B. Including Council members in the hiring and pay negotiations of key employees; and,

C. The pay increase of the HR Manager.

 “I feel now that all of these concerns have been addressed and once again I am asking for (the council’s) support on adoption of the 2021/2022 budget on November 1 at our City Council meeting to help move our city forward,” Gardner said. “I would be more than happy to meet for breakfast or lunch to discuss.”

The only council person responding to Gardner’s email was District B Councilwoman Terika Williams-Walker.

“I’m not in agreement,” she said.

The City of Minden is currently operating on 50 percent of last year’s budget. Once that money is depleted, the State of Louisiana will enter the picture.

The Journal spoke with Zita Williams, Program Events Coordinator, about upcoming events at the Minden Recreation Center. The Fall Festival is next Saturday, October 30, from 5 pm to 9 pm. Also, little league basketball signups are currently underway.

Thanks to all who bought Chicken Charbroil dinners today from Minden Lions Saturday. Eight hundred meals were served. 

“We hope everyone enjoyed the chicken…we think it was some of our best,” said Lions president Tracy Campbell. 

All proceeds will go to support the Lions Club mission of “We Serve” through various donations and service projects.

 By Josh Beavers

 Cultural Crossroads hosted Midnight Madness, its second annual Halloween art contest and exhibit, on Saturday night.

 Artists were invited to submit spooky works of art, to either be judged for a cash prize or simply for the viewing enjoyment of the public.

 A formal reception was held where artists had a chance to sell their art. Awards were also given.

 There were two age categories that had participants: Crypt Keepers (19+) & Teen Wolves (13-18).

 For Crypt Keepers, Chris Broussard won first place for “Sallie Baker Still Lives.”

 For Teen Wolves:

-1st place, Layla Garrett for “Ravens”

-2nd place, Isabelle Beckman for “New Orleans Haunted House”

-3rd place, Aubrey Gorman for “Headless Horseman”

 In addition to the art show, there was also a spooky haunted house that was well attended.

 This event was sponsored by R&V Works and Mike’s Hometown Spirits of Minden.

 By Josh Beavers

 Back a few weeks ago, two longtime fan-favorite residents took to the waters fishing for Crappie at the largest tournament of its kind in the world.

 When all the fish were taken off those shiny hooks and the Crappie were weighed, Justin Smart and Wesley Miller laid claim to second best in all the world and a purse of $40 grand.

 Pretty good for a couple of Webster Parish boys.

 “This achievement is so meaningful to us not only because of the money but it’s one of the strongest fields you will ever fish against,” Miller told the Journal. “It was also held in a place that we consider to be our home water and that meant a lot to us as well.”

 The event was held on the waters over in Shreveport, but the next event is a little closer to home. Miller and Smart are sponsoring the 3rd Annual Lake Bistineau Crappie Rodeo on November 13 at the Port O’ Bistineau.

 Pre-registration and fish fry are set for Nov. 12. Registration can also be completed the morning of the tournament.

 The first-place prize is $5,000. Entry is $100 per team.

The Journal asked the duo why they loved fishing:

 “I think for me it’s the competition,” Smart said. “It’s the hardware. The money spends but the trophy lasts forever. Competitive team fishing has been something I have been doing since my early high school years. Winning a tournament is one of the greatest feelings of all. In this case second place feels good, too.”

 Miller added: “I love the opportunity to get to meet new people daily who are interested in learning to fish. I love that look on their face when they catch their first slab crappie. In the past two years of guiding, I’ve made many new friends that will be lifelong relationships.”

 Miller runs Big Sasquatch Outdoors, a full-service fishing guide business.

 The Journal asked each man how they got into fishing? What makes it special?

 Smart told us, “I started at a very young age. My dad would take me to the lake or a pond and really invested his time teaching me how to fish. At the age of 11, I fished my first bass tournament with him, and we won. I didn’t do much but hold the net that day but I’ll never forget the way I felt when they called us and handed us that trophy.”

 Miller added: “I can’t remember not wanting to fish. It’s what I’ve always done and it’s all that I’ve ever wanted to do. Fishing is and always will be my true love.”

While the two are putting on the upcoming tourney on Bistineau, The Journal wanted to know what was next for the duo as a team.

“I feel like we have developed the reputation of a team who will always be in contention, no matter the venue,” Smart said. “I would suspect you will see us jump into any of the national tournaments that come close to us during next year.”

He said to watch for them in upcoming tourneys on Lake Darbonne, Lake Fork, and the Ouachita River.

“We will definitely return to the Crappie Expo tournament next year as we have gained automatic invite status for finishing in the top 25 this year,” Miller said. “The tournament next year is going back to Branson, MO and will be held at Table Rock Lake sometime in early October of 2022.”

Both men wanted to thank supporters.

“Whether it be financially, just words of encouragement, or congratulations, it really means so much to us,” Smart said. “Our achievements as a team mean a lot to us as well. We work extremely hard to compete against these guys and we took some beatings along the way. Each time though we get better. I feel like you can never stop learning in this game because you will be passed quickly. We are still getting better every trip out.”

For more info on the upcoming tourney, you can call Justin at 318-540-7883 or Wesley at 318-465-1668.

When the unthinkable happens, and we lose a loved one, everyone wants the support that comes from contact with friends and family.

What would you like the world to know about your loved one? We publish obituaries at the Webster Parish Journal. Ask your funeral director for information, but if you wish, contact us at wpjnewsla@gmail.com .

There is a fee of $80 for unlimited words with a photo, and payment is due before the obituary runs. Funeral announcements (date of birth and death, as well as funeral arrangements) are free.

Again, check with your funeral director as you are making arrangements, or contact us. We hope you don’t need us, but we are here for you.

Minden Lions were thoroughly entertained by their guest speaker last week. 

Columnist, broadcaster and unlicensed comedian Teddy Allen had four Mountain Dews before he took the stage, so he was wired like a microwave. He posed some thought-provoking questions to the Lions (e.g. Did Adam and Eve have belly buttons?) and spoke of what it was like growing up a preacher’s kid in the South. He also shared with the Lions his affinity for The Andy Griffith Show, his last experience with chitterlings, and how his wife Linnea will always be more popular than he is.

Pictured (from left) are Lion President Tracy Campbell, Teddy Allen, and Lion Johnny McDaniel, who invited and introduced Teddy today.

By Bonnie Culverhouse

Webster Parish Sheriff’s deputies arrested a repeat offender Wednesday as he exited a local discount store.

Kevin Terral, 52, is charged with attempted aggravated burglary, possession of drug paraphernalia, possession of a controlled dangerous substance in the presence of a firearm, possession of Sch. II CDS and possession of a firearm by a convicted felon.

Sheriff Jason Parker said his deputies made contact with Terral as he was walking to his pick-up truck.

“Deputies are familiar with Terral’s narcotics use, specifically Methamphetamine,” Parker said. “The K-9 handler arrived on scene and deployed ‘Preacher,’ who gave a positive alert to the presence of narcotics in the vehicle.”

The sheriff said Terral admitted to having a Methamphetamine pipe and firearm in his truck. Deputies reportedly discovered the items and found residue inside the pipe.

According to reports, Terral has been booked 21 times and has had 29 warrants.  

October 20

Antavius Jeroid Rankin, k34, of Springhill, was arrested by Springhill Police for distribution of Sch. II Methamphetamine and possession of Marijuana.

October 21

Herbert M. Spangler, 59, of Virginia, wa arrested by Louisiana State Police Troop G for driving while intoxicated (first offense), careless operation and open container.

October 22

Ray Buck New, 73, of the 700 block of N. Acres Lane, Springhill, ws arrested by Springhill Police on 2 counts of distribution of Sch. I Liquid THC Marijuana.

Derrick Leon Mitchell, 41, of South Carolina, was arrested by Louisiana State Police Troop G for a traffic violation and NCIC warrant as a fugitive.

October 24

Dale Morgan Hollingsworth, 63, of Hwy. 159, Minden, was arrested by Louisiana State Police Troop G for DWI, first offense and careless operation of a motor vehicle.

October 25

Billy Joe Culverhouse, 28, of Haughton, was arrested by Webster Parish Sheriff’s deputies for contempt of court.

By Bonnie Culverhouse

A fisherman at Sikes Ferry received a surprise Thursday morning when his depth finder located more than fish.

Webster Parish Sheriff Jason Parker said a pick-up truck stolen in 2019 showed on the unidentified man’s equipment while he was trying to find white perch.

“The truck was about 75 yards from the launch area,” Parker said. “We got the Minden Fire Department dive team out here, and they were very helpful with the investigation.”

Fortunately, there was no one found in or around the vehicle.

“Evidently this is not an uncommon place for people to ditch stolen stuff,” he said. “They’ve recovered four-wheelers out here.”

The investigation is ongoing.

Peggy Ann Byers
August 1, 2021 – October 11, 2021
Services: Wednesday, October 27, 2021 at 2:00 p.m., at Rose-Neath Funeral Home, 1815 Marshall Street, Shreveport, Louisiana. 

Marion Wyatt Bevill
March 31, 1935 – October 14, 2021
Interment: Whitehall Cemetery in Leton, LA, Saturday, November, 13, 2021, at 2:00 p.m

Melinda Ann Six
September 4, 1962 – October 22, 2021
Service:  10:30 a.m., Saturday, October 30, 2021 at Forest Park West Cemetery, 4000 Meriwether Road, Shreveport, Louisiana. 

By Josh Beavers

Let’s talk about North Caddo first.

K.J. Black ran for 112 yards and three touchdowns on just four carries, and Omarion Miller made one of the best runs this writer’s eyes have ever seen as the duo led North Caddo to a 46-6 victory over Lakeside Friday night in Vivian.

The Titans scored every time they had the ball in the first half as they racked up all their points in the first two quarters. Black scored from 65 yards out on the second play of the game and added two more scores quickly thereafter.

The Miller run was his only touchdown of the game and his only official catch of the game as well. The North Caddo quarterback threw a screen to the standout receiver who then juked and spun and evaded nearly every Lakeside defender on his way to a 57-yard touchdown. The LSU signee also caught three 2-Point Conversion attempts and ran for 28 yards on his only rush of the game.

Now that’s enough about the Titans (7-1). Let’s talk about the good things that happened for the Lakeside Warriors (3-4). Good things? You may ask what good could come out of 40-point loss?

Lots. There are always a lot of good things that take place when the Lakeside Warriors take the field. Win or lose. Grit isn’t just present in victory. Pride just doesn’t reside in wins.

Positive #1.

Lakeside never gives up. Trailing by 46 points, the Warriors continued to fight for yards. Players didn’t go out or go down with questionable injuries. Heads weren’t held low. Boys weren’t sitting on the bench disinterested in the game or feeling sorry for themselves.

Jaden Miller kept making impressive tackles. Conner Dunnfey played well. Jamarrion Evans recovered a fumble to set up a score. Players on the sidelines were cheering and encouraging those who were on the field.

The offensive line opened holes for Ashton Stewart, who rushed for 67 yards, as well as quarterback CJ Watts, who scored the Warriors lone touchdown.

That touchdown came as time ran out in the game and after North Caddo made the questionable call to insert its first team defense again despite leading by 46 points.

The Warrior crowd was louder than the North Caddo fans as they willed Watts into the endzone on the game’s last play.

The crowd – well that brings me to point number 2.

Positive #2.

Lakeside has community support. If you didn’t know that before, then Friday night’s showing in Vivian should eliminate any doubt. The Warrior faithful may have outnumbered the home team fans. And that is a home team with a 7-1 record and a number five ranking in the state.

Lakeside fans care. Lakeside fans travel. And Lakeside fans are loud. Even in defeat, it remained a great night to be a Warrior.

It didn’t take the Glenbrook Apaches long to take the lead and never look back Friday as they beat the Ringgold Redskins 49-14.

Hayden Harmon took the opening kick off at his own 35 yard line and outran the kick coverage on his way to the endzone.  After the Ty Feaster extra point, the Apaches led 7-0 with 11:43 remaining in the first quarter. 

The Apache defense wasted no time getting involved in the game as they forced Ringgold into a 4th down on their own 12 yard line.  The Redskins elected to go for it and ended up getting stopped for no gain and turning the ball over to the Apaches and putting their offense in excellent field position.

It took the Apache offense just two plays before Rhett Johnson busted into the endzone from 7 yards out to give them their second touchdown in less than 90 seconds into the game.  After the extra point, the lead was now 14-0.

On the Redskins’ next offensive series, a host of Apaches defenders forced the ball carrier to fumble and the Glenbrook defense came up with the recovery to give their offense the ball at the Ringgold 15 yard line.   Ty Feaster then found Tuner Mclelland wide open in the endzone for the 15 yard touchdown pass.  After another successful extra point, the Apaches had pushed their lead out to 21-0 with 6:23 left in the first quarter.

Both teams traded turnovers on their next possessions before the Apache defense once again forced a Ringgold three and out and took over with great field position.  It took the Apache offense just four plays to reach the endzone for the 4th time on the night when Ty Feaster hit Easton Sanders on a 20 yard corner route for the touchdown.  With the extra point being good, the Apache lead was extended to 28-0 with 1:48 left in the 1st quarter.

With a running clock to start the 2nd quarter, the Apaches defense tightened up after Ringgold crossed mid-field for the first time in the game and forced an unsuccessful 4th down conversion attempt.  After four plays, the Apache offense had moved well inside Redskin territory.  With the ball on the Ringgold 24 yard line, Landry Powell ran off right tackle before pitching the ball on the option play out to Chase Sentell, who took the ball into the endzone for a touchdown.  After a Deigo Morales extra point, the Apaches lead stood at 35-0 as the second quarter came to an end.

During the second half kickoff, a Ringgold returner mishandeld the kick and gave the Apaches great field position on the Redskin 43 yard line.  On 3rd down, Ty Feaster hit Turner Mclelland for a 43 yard touchdown pass.  After the Deigo Morales extra point, the score was 42-0.

The Apache defense continued their dominance late in the third quarter as they forced Ringgold to punt after a quick 3 and out.  The punt on 4th down was partially blocked by Gage White, and the Apaches once again had great field position on the Ringgold 35 yard line. 

Grayson Williams capped off a 7 play, 35 yard drive with a 10 yard touchdown run.  The Diego Morales extra point gave the Apaches a 49-0 lead.  The Redskins scored twice in the 4th quarter to make the final score 49-14.

Next week the Apaches will take their final road trip of the season as they travel to Bastrop to take on Beekman Charter.  Game time is slated for 7 pm.

By Whitman McGee

The Minden Crimson Tide traveled to Bastrop on Friday night in hopes of getting back on the right track with a much-needed victory.

And they did just that, defeating the Rams by a final score of 39-14.

Bastrop won the coin toss and deferred to the second half. The Rams had something up their sleeves though; kicking an onside kick and successfully recovering.

It felt like a repeat of a story that we’ve heard far too many times, but Minden kept their composure and forced a Bastrop three and out.

Set up by a thundering Daylen Robinson 31-yard rush, returning QB Andrew Cooper made his presence felt by scoring the first points of the game on a designated QB run. 

Cooper wasn’t done there, scoring two more rushing touchdowns in the first half, one of which was initiated off the heels of a huge 51-yard Kentravion Lister run 

When asked how Cooper’s return impacted the team, Head Coach Spencer Heard told The Journal, “They rallied around the fact that he was back. Everything felt back to normal with him being back there.”

Daylen Robinson ran in for his 7th touchdown of the year, making the score 26-0 with Minden on top heading into halftime.

After forcing Bastrop to punt to open the second half, Daylen Robinson punched the ball in yet again, this time from 16-yards out. Carter Barnett’s extra point attempt was good, Minden led 33-0 with 7:35 left in the 3rd quarter. 

The Rams were on the verge of their 3rd straight shutout defeat, but they buckled down, putting a drive together that culminated in a Tyzavion Minnieweather score. Their two-point conversion attempt was no good

Bastrop tried their hand at another onside kick, but this time, Isaiah Thornton sniffed it out, recovering the ball and returning it for 24-yards.

Senior Zedekiah Harris scored the last of Minden’s touchdowns, picking up his 3rd of the year from 16-yards out. The Tide’s two-point conversion attempt was no good,  but they lead 39-6.

Bastrop scored another touchdown and a successful two-point conversion loosened the gap a bit but it was too little, too late for the Rams.

Jakobe Jackson’s second interception of the year sealed the deal late in the fourth quarter as Tide backup QB Landon Huddleston was sent in to ice the game away.

Coach Heard has preached on offensive versatility for weeks now; it looks as if tonight that’s what he got. 

“They’ve got to respect the fact that we can throw,” Heard said. “Andrew’s got a great arm and we have guys who can catch the ball.”

Heard also emphasized how integral Daylen Robinson and Kentravion Lister were in tonight’s win by setting the offense up and forcing the defense to pick their poison.

Interestingly enough, this was Minden’s first win in Bastrop since 1983 and only their 5th win all-time against the Rams.

After Friday night’s win and with some help from other teams, the Tide are in a prime position to compete for a chance at post-season play.

Emphasizing the importance of this bounce-back victory, Coach Heard said, “We were pretty much backed in a corner and had to have a win. I thought our guys executed well… it was extremely important for us.”

The North Webster Knights could not sustain a solid start Friday night against the Loyola Flyers.

The Knights drove down the field and scored with relative ease to open Friday’s District 1-3A clash, but Loyola answered with a kick return for a touchdown and would cruise from that point to a 38-12 win.

The Knights now sit at 3-5 with two games remaining on the regular season slate.

Both of the North Webster touchdowns came courtesy of senior runner Jamarcus Stephens who ran hard behind the North Webster offensive line.

Trailing just 17-6 at the half, the Knights had several chances to keep pace with the potent Loyola combination of wide receiver Tray Taylor and quarterback Jacob Lafitte, but turnovers seemed to follow every time North Webster would enter into Flyer territory.

Taylor finished the night with four touchdowns to lead Loyola.

North Webster will look to keep their playoff hopes alive next week as they travel to face the Mansfield Wolverines.

Each year during the months of October and November, anglers sit down and look at all the different schedules for the many bass tournament trails that exist. There are so many circuits today that fishermen have to choose what they are going pursue the next year. Anglers today are pulled in so many different directions that it’s almost impossible to fish everything going on. You have a great selection of team circuits (two anglers in a boat) like Bass Champs, The Texas Tournament Trail and now the Pro Texas Team Trail. The other pro/am tours that are on an angler’s radar for the next season, include the ABA (American Bass Anglers) Open Series, The ABA Solo Top 150, Major League Fishing BFL (Bass Fishing League) and the MLF’s Toyota Series. Each of these has a consistent following and each represent different levels of fishing competition. Many of the same anglers follow at least two of these and a few follows three. The Toyota Series is the best of the best and has some anglers actually make a living following this circuit.

For me, at some point in my career, I have followed each of these, but the two that I focus on now are with American Bass Anglers (ABA). For the last few years, I have fished the Open Series and now the new Solo Top 150 that started this year. The ABA Tour has what they call the Ray Scott National Championship. This is, and continues to be, a great event with anywhere from 175 to 200 pros and co-anglers from all over the country. I have qualified for this event 5 of the last 6 years including next year’s 2022 at Lake Eufaula. ABA does a great job of keeping the cost down on all their tours while trying to accommodate the weekend warriors (working man). Their new Solo 150 Pro Tour is a prime example of that with a $600 entry fee for a two-day event with the chance to win $20,000 dollars. No other circuit offers a better payback than ABA does.

For me, it’s been the tale of two seasons. The first half of the year was not anything special, but I kept myself in contention with hopes of a better second half. At one point, I thought that my season was doomed. But I had a strong finish in the last two ABA Open Series events with a 2nd place finish at Sam Rayburn and a 7th place finish at the ABA Two-Day Championship on Lake Texoma. This landed me a 5th place overall in the Angler of the Year standing for 2021 and qualified me for the Ray Scott National Championship at Lake Eufaula Alabama. This is an event I’m really looking forward to next April!

I’m still currently fishing the new TTO Pro Team Tour with one more event left for 2021 at Lake Sam Rayburn on November 20th & 21st. Even though my tournaments are coming to an end, I will use this time to experiment and learn new techniques or maybe get better at finesse fishing. But one thing is for certain, I do not worry about winterizing my boat as I continue to fish all through the winter months and prepare for 2022. So, this fall, enjoy the fall feeding frenzy and get ready for some of the best bass fishing action of the year! Good luck, good fishing and don’t forget to set the hook!

Steve Graf, Co-Host
Hook’N Up & Track’N Down Show
And Tackle Talk Live

By Josh Beavers

A local educator has received a grant to help her third graders achieve greatness in math class. 

Felica Harris has taught for 14 years and spent the last eight at JL Jones in Minden.  

She applied for and earned the ExploreLearning Frax Math grant which is an adaptive, game-based program that uses the latest research-based instructional methods to create a better way to learn fractions. 

“This grant is important to me because so many students struggle with understanding the concept of fractions,” Harris told The Journal. “This program will allow them to gain a better understanding of fractions while enjoying a game.”

Frax math will be used during intervention time as a reward for students who have completed their Zearn lessons and during small group instruction. 

“Frax Math is the sister program to Reflex Math and my students love Reflex Math,” the longtime educator told us. 

Before closing the interview, we asked Harris what we ask all educators – Why do you love teaching?

“I love to see my students’ faces when they are eager to show me that they understand,” she said. “Teaching for me is not just about the curriculum (the curriculum is important), it’s about building those lasting relationships with my students. I always tell my students to do THEIR BEST and their best may or may not be an A. I love and treat my students like they are my children.”

Peggy Ann Byers
August 1, 2021 – October 11, 2021
Services: Wednesday, October 27, 2021 at 2:00 p.m., at Rose-Neath Funeral Home, 1815 Marshall Street, Shreveport, Louisiana. 

Nicolas Dan Smith
April 14, 1992 – October 13, 2021
Services: Saturday, October 23, 2021 at Ye Olde Baptist Church, 1370 Linton Road, Benton, Louisiana 71006. 

Joe D. Bauldree
May 15, 1936 – October 14, 2021
Graveside Services: Sunday, October 24, 2021, at 2:00 p.m. at Arlington Cemetery in Homer, LA.

Susan Ann Cook Logan
April 18, 1950 – October 16, 2021
Visitation: Saturday, October 23, at 9 a.m. until 11 a.m., at  Kilpatrick Rose-Neath Funeral Home in Minden, LA, on .
Service: Saturday, October 23, at 11 a.m.
Interment: At the Bistineau Baptist Church Cemetery. (All are invited to the following reception at the Bistineau Baptist Church Reception Hall.)

Mildred Ebarb Madison
November 21, 1933 – October 18, 2021
Visitation: Saturday, October 23, 2021 from 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. at Rose-Neath Funeral Home, 2500 Southside Dr., Shreveport, Louisiana.
Gaveside service: Saturday, October 23, 2021 at 11:30 a.m. at Forest Park West Cemetery, 4000 Meriwether Rd., Shreveport, Louisiana.  

By Bonnie Culverhouse

While two Minden residents are in jail on drug charges, a third will never see the inside of the prison.

Minden Police Chief Steve Cropper said a suspect identified as Fred Johnson Jr., who was residing with a girlfriend in Minden, collapsed and died Wednesday night after running from law enforcement.

“We received a tip from one of the motels on Shreveport Road, in reference to a room rented to someone who had been there all day long,” Cropper said. “The person said he had seen cars going in and out of there the entire time. He also said he had seen a black Z-28 in there at least three times.”

Just before midnight Wednesday, Cropper said Capt. Kirk Morgan set up on Shreveport Road to observe the motel’s entrance and exit.

“Capt. Morgan saw the black Z-28 come in, stay a short period of time and then come out,” said the chief. “The vehicle, driven by Johnson, turned right on Shreveport Road, going toward Weston Street.”

Morgan reportedly fell in behind the vehicle, which turned right on Weston going toward Bayou Avenue.

“Capt. Morgan paced the vehicle at 47 miles per hour,” Cropper said. “The speed limit is 25, so he had probably cause to make a traffic stop. Morgan turned on his blue lights, but Johnson floored the vehicle, turned onto Bayou and took off.”

Morgan reportedly lost sight of the vehicle for a time, but picked up his taillights at the stop sign on Pine Street, while calling for aid.

“Johnson had the lefthand turn signal on, but he turned right,” Cropper said. “Lt. Chris McClaran was coming from Main Street down Pine. By the time they got there, the driver had pulled up into the driveway of a residence and abandoned the vehicle.”

McClaran reportedly observed the man leave the vehicle and got a description of his clothing.

“They cleared the car and contacted the sheriff’s office to get some assistance in locating the man on foot,” said the chief. “Deputy Mathew Hicks found the suspect. They had notified Lt. Chris Hammontree to bring the K-9 out there to see if the K-9 could pick up a scent. It wasn’t long before Hicks walked up on to a black male lying face down in front of one of the Miller Street apartments … unresponsive.”

Chief said officers gave the man, identified as Johnson, verbal commands, but he was motionless.

“When they approached him, he had one arm underneath his body,” Cropper said. “They pulled out that arm and rolled him over. He was foaming at the mouth and had a faint pulse.”

An ambulance was dispatched and EMS reportedly worked on Johnson for a while before he was transported to Minden Medical Center ER, where he was pronounced deceased.

Cropper said Methamphetamine was found in Johnson’s vehicle, along with a set of scales.

“Based off that information, and what we learned from that motel room, they obtained a search warrant to go back and search the room,” said the chief. “Inside that room were Dominick Gill and Mallory Merritt.”

Gill, 21, of the 200 block of Camp Street, was arrested by Det. Shane Griffith for possession of Sch. I synthetic Marijuana, CDS Sch. 1 natural Marijuana, Sch. II Methamphetamine, Sch. II Crack Cocaine, Sch. II Hydrocidine and Sch. IV Diazapram, all with intent to distribute.

Merritt, 23, of the 100 block of Milton Drive, Minden, was arrested by detectives Kenneth James, Keith King Jr. and Shane Griffith for possession of Sch. I synthetic Marijuana, Sch. II Methamphetamine and prostitution.

Both were transported to Bayou Dorcheat Correctional Center.

Johnson’s body has been sent to the coroner’s office in Little Rock, Ark. for autopsy.