A series of what were described as “abusive” calls to 911 led Minden police officers to a Miller St. apartment where deplorable living conditions proved to be the basis for a local couple’s trip to the parish jail.
Officers responded to an apartment in the 200 block of Miller St. shortly after 1 a.m. Wednesday after a 911 caller claimed individuals were attempting to steal an air conditioner. After the caller further claimed someone was present near his building, police conducted a walkthrough of the apartment.
Inside, officers observed living conditions that were described as “…horrible, with unsanitary conditions through the home…” including dirty dishes along with piles of clothing throughout the living quarters. Officers also observed roaches throughout the quarters.
Also, officers found an axe laying on the bed in the bedroom, and pornography playing on a television. “Shake,” a marijuana residue, reportedly was found in the bedroom area.
A juvenile reportedly was found living in the apartment. The juvenile reportedly was released to the custody of a family member.
Officers arrested Harvey Dwayne Bates, 50, on charges of misuse of 911 and cruelty to juveniles. Bates reportedly had made a total of four calls to 911; two just after 1:15 a..m. Wednesday and two on Tuesday.
Police also arrested Artavis S. Willis, 37, on a charge of cruelty to juveniles. Willis reportedly is Bates’ live-in girlfriend.
Bates is being held at Bayou Dorcheat Correctional Facility while Willis is housed in the parish jail. Bond has not been set for either.
Due to their observations during the incident, police reportedly contacted the state Dept. of Child and Family Services (DCFS) with a report of child negligence.
This information has been provided by a law enforcement agency as public information. Persons named as suspects in a criminal investigation, or arrested and charged with a crime, have not been convicted of any criminal offense and are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.