Police report 2 shootings in same neighborhood

Published 10:36 pm Wednesday, July 27, 2022

DeRidder Police are investigating two separate incidents of drive-by shootings occurring in a single neighborhood, and are asking for the public’s help in identifying those responsible.

According to Police Chief Craig Richard, the first shooting occurred on Monday, July 18, at about 12:20 a.m. in the Twin Lake subdivision, near Pine Tree Lane and Hillcrest. The second occurred Wednesday morning, July 27, just after midnight in the same area.

There were no injuries reported from either incident, but Richard said that a vehicle parked outside a residence had been struck on the first night. He said bullet casings were recovered from the scene.

“We do believe that the people involved in this incident are with the same group that was responsible for previous shootings,” Richard said.

In Sept. 2021, multiple people were arrested for their involvement in a drive-by shooting incident that occurred on W. Eighth Street. In March, a home near DeRidder High School was struck by bullets fired from a vehicle. Authorities say the shootings are all incidents involving “so-called gangs” in DeRidder and in Leesville.

“I don’t know if we could even consider them a gang, but they are all in the same group,” Richard said.

So far, Richard said that all leads investigators have worked have not provided any helpful information and he is hoping that the public can come forward with information that may lead to the arrest of those responsible.

Anyone with information is encouraged to contact Crimestoppers at 337-462-8918.