Cops promise increased police presence in Hammond and help from state and federal authorities to crack down on gang violence.
"The FBI is here to partner... to end the gang violence," Special Agent in Charge of the FBI New Orleans Field Office Jonathan Tapp said.
He issued a warning to what he called gang bangers along the I-55 corridor.
"You play stupid games, you win stupid prizes," Tapp announced. "You will not go on terrorizing this community, or any other."
Hammond police chief Edwin Bergeron Jr. says they have already started proactive efforts, arresting 16 suspects and recovering 10 firearms in downtown Hammond.
"Let me be perfectly clear: if you choose the gang lifestyle, if you choose to terrorize our city with violence and guns, you will be met with relentless enforcement," he said at a news conference. "We will use every lawful resource available to identify you, arrest you, and hold you accountable. Our community deserves peace, and we will not allow a small group of criminals to dictate how we live our lives."
Louisiana State Police and the Tangipahoa Parish Sheriff's office is also joining forces with Hammond PD and the FBI.
Here is list of the arrests made this week:
1. Deon Melton, 18 years old of Independence, for possession of a firearm with obliterated serial number
2. Calvin Grant, 22 years old of Hammond, for possession of a firearm while in possession of CDS; possession of schedule II CDS
3. Elijah Wilcher, 22 years old of Brookhaven, MS, for possession of a firearm by a convicted felon; possession of marijuana; possession of a machine gun; possession of a firearm while in possession of CDS
4. Ashton McGhee, 19 years old of Brookhaven, MS, for possession of marijuana; possession of a machine gun; possession of a firearm while in possession of CDS
5. Corey Bell, 19 years old of Brookhaven, MS, for possession of marijuana; possession of a machine gun; possession of a firearm while in possession of CDS
6. Unnamed Juvenile, 16 years old of Independence, for possession of a handgun by a juvenile; possession of marijuana; possession of schedule III CDS; possession of a firearm while in possession of CDS; curfew violation
7. Ann Pierson, 19 years old of Ponchatoula, for disturbing the peace by fighting
8. Terrell Garrett, 27 years old of Hammond, for obstruction of a roadway
9. Bryce Luton, 22 years old of Hammond, for simple drunk; resisting an officer; criminal damage to property
10. Detorian Jenkins, 20 years old of Hammond, for possession of stolen firearm
11. Devin Dorsey, 20 years old of Hammond, for possession of firearm while in possession of CDS
12. Michelle Knighten, 20 years old of Hammond, for minor in possession of alcohol
13. Mattias Fonseca, 20 years old of Hammond, for simple drunk
14. Troy Gonzalez, 18 years old of Covington, for possession of schedule I CDS; possession of drug paraphernalia
15. Seth Schwegman, 20 years old of Covington, for simple drunk
16. Jordan Watson, 20 years old of Independence, for possession of schedule II CDS
Police ask anyone with information about criminal activity to call the Hammond Police Department at 985-277-5701.
People can also call Crime Stoppers of Tangipahoa’s anonymous tip line at 1-800-554-5245.
