Ponchatoula Police Department detectives obtained arrest warrants for (6) male suspects, along with (5) residential search warrants for the suspect’s homes, in relation to the April 12 shootings during the Ponchatoula Strawberry Festival.
On April 18, with assistance from the Livingston Parish Sheriff’s Office, the Hammond Police Department SWAT team, the Tangipahoa Parish Sheriff’s Office Special Response Team, the Louisiana Probation and Parole Tac Team, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF) K9 division, the (5) residential search warrants were executed simultaneously. Search warrants were executed at residences on Haney Lane and Camp Street in Ponchatoula, and Puma Drive, Clear Lake Drive, and Easy Street in Hammond.
Ponchatoula Police Chief Bry Layrisson reported the arrests of the following individuals: Camryn Finley (18) of Hammond, LA – Attempted Second Degree Murder and Terrorizing; Dealvin Davis (18) of Ponchatoula, LA – Principal to Attempted Second Degree Murder and Terrorizing; Courtney McGee , age 18, of Ponchatoula, LA – Terrorizing; Markus Dokes (DOB: 02/15/2006) of Ponchatoula, LA – Terrorizing; Quentrel Smith, age 18, of Ponchatoula, LA – Terrorizing; and Quenton Smith Jr. (DOB: 12/01/2004) of Ponchatoula, LA – Terrorizing. Police said the felony terrorizing charges relate to the suspects’ physical altercation and subsequent shootings causing a serious disruption to the general public. Layrisson said these actions will not be tolerated in the City of Ponchatoula, especially at the community’s beloved festival.
After further investigation Quenton Smith Jr. was additionally charged with the following narcotics and firearm related offenses: Possession of Schedule I narcotics; Possession with intent to distribute Schedule I narcotics; Possession of a firearm while in possession of a controlled dangerous substance; Possession of legend drug; and Handling of machine guns unlawful. Markus Dokes was additionally charged with Attempted Second Degree Murder. And Courtney McGee was additionally charged with Principal to Attempted Second Degree Murder.
