On Thursday, May 8, 2015, officers of the Natchitoches Police Department were dispatched to the Texas Street Grocery in reference to a vehicle being struck by a stray bullet. Officers made contact with the complainant who stated that while at the intersection of Sixth and Texas St. that she observed a young black male shooting at a black SUV. The complainant went on to state that one of the rounds fired resulted in a bullet striking her car’s front windshield which was occupied by herself, another adult, and two small children.

A short while later the Natchitoches Police Department received an additional call from the driver of the black SUV, Mr. Patrick Howard, who stated that he had been shot while on Sixth St. Mr. Howard then explained to officers that he was flagged down while on Sixth St. near Sabine Alley by a juvenile male who requested a cigarette. Mr. Howard then stated that when the juvenile was told that he didn’t have cigarettes, the juvenile along with three other male subjects brandished weapons and began firing their weapons as he attempted to flee the scene. Mr. Howard was reportedly shot three times.

As a result of the shootings the Criminal Investigations Division of the Natchitoches Police Department was contacted and began an investigation into the both shootings which led to the discovery of additional facts. Investigators were then able to obtain the identities of all suspects involved which led to the arrests of, a thirteen (13) year old juvenile, a fifteen (15) year old juvenile, and a sixteen (16) year old juvenile. Each of the juveniles were arrested on seven (7) counts of LA R.S. 14:30 Attempted First Degree Murder, (1) count of LA R.S. 14:64 Armed Robbery, and (1) count of LA R.S. 14:26 Criminal Conspiracy. All of the juveniles were transported to the Ware Juvenile Detention Center and later issued a three hundred thousand dollar ($300,000.00) bond.

An additional suspect, Demelvin Demars, black, male, age 17, of 606 Sabine Alley, is also being sought in connection with these shootings. The Criminal Investigations Division of the Natchitoches Police Department has secured warrants for the arrest of Demars for seven (7) counts of LA R.S. 14:30 Attempted First Degree Murder, (1) count of LA R.S. 14:64 Armed Robbery, and (1) count of LA R.S. 14:26 Criminal Conspiracy.

The Natchitoches Police Department’s Criminal Investigations Division advised that the investigation into these reported crimes are continuing and investigators state that additional arrest(s) are forthcoming. If anyone has information in reference to the shootings or knows the whereabouts of Demelvin Demars you’re urged to please contact Detective John Greely of the Natchitoches Police Department’s Criminal Investigation Division at (318) 357-3811 or you may contact the Natchitoches Police Department directly at (318) 352-8101. All calls shall be kept confidential.

Chief Micky Dove