By Pat Culverhouse
Six persons have been wounded after gunfire erupted late Saturday at a large gathering billed as a “#BigBlessed Littlest Bonfire Pt. 3” on property located in the 5100 block of LA Hwy. 531 in Dubberly.
Webster Parish Sheriff Jason Parker said two of the six reportedly are in critical condition.
“What we have is a very large crime scene with hundreds of people involved, and we’re still investigating,” Parker said.
Parker said deputies were called to the rural area sometime before midnight Saturday where a large crowd had gathered for what appears to be an unpermitted event.
“Our office knew nothing about this event in advance,” he said. “We first learned this bonfire was posted on social media late Saturday. We’re not aware of a request for a permit at this time, but we’re checking on that.”
According to a poster, the event featured a live performance by two groups, a DJ and announced free food and drinks. A $15 entry fee was posted along with a the claim, “security strictly enforced.”
“What we found for security was a lady collecting the entry fee and handing out arm bands,” Parker said. “We are told she started with around 350 arm bands. We’re still talking to people, but there was no licensed security we’re aware of at this time.”
When deputies arrived at the scene, they learned most of those who had been shot had already been removed from the scene by private individuals. And, the sheriff said, the party was still in progress despite the gunshots.
“When we got there people were still partying as if nothing had happened,” he said. “Our deputies couldn’t get to the site because of the traffic. They had to park on the highway and walk to the scene. If we had needed emergency vehicles, they would not have been able to get in there.”
“We have a parish ordinance in place to bring structure to this type of event, including a notice that appropriate security be provided,” he said. “I am extremely disappointed that this doesn’t appear to have followed due process.”
Parker said the investigation will most likely take some time due to the large number of persons who must be interviewed. And, he said, investigators will also be taking a hard look at how this event was organized.
“We want to maintain order in the parish, and we have ordinances in place to help prevent these things from happening,” he said. “We don’t know the reasons for the shootings yet, but this is what can happen when you have a combination of large uncontrolled crowds, music and alcohol plus little or no security.”
Parker said anyone who may have information is urged to contact his office and speak with investigators. All information will be confidential.