DANIEL TYLER GOODEN / L’Observateur / April 21, 2000

VACHERIE – Friendly gatherings ending in violence was again a disturbing topic at the St. James Parish Council meeting after a fund-raiser at the WestBank Reception Hall ended in multiple arrests last Saturday.

After limiting the activities at Magnolia Park, where other such events have occurred in the last three months, the violence has moved to the West Bank Reception Hall, said Parish President Dale Hymel Jr. Hymel called for acommittee of five people to be formed, including Councilmen Timothy Roussel and Elton Aubert, with members of the sheriff’s department and Emergency Operations.

“We need some type of arrangement that clarifies the rules and the consequences of breaking those rules, said Hymel. He suggested a uniformpolicy on renting out St. James Parish parks in order to prevent communityactivities ending in violence.

It’s only been in the last six months that such violence has erupted at the activities.

“It used to be that the deputies were able to disburse an unruly crowd and not have to make any arrests,” said Martin.

“We don’t want the council to have to stop the activities, but they need to be cut off shorter or something,” said Martin.

Glad that Hymel was taking a position on the subject and getting the issue resolved, Martin added, “we need strict rules that make renters responsible for what goes on and accountable for problems.”Last Saturday St. James Parish Sheriff’s Deputy Corey Pittman was calledto the scene to investigate the presence of a 13-year-old drinking from a bottle of whiskey. The situation escalated as during an argument withanother party-goer, Dameion Tureaud pulled a short handled shotgun from his vehicle. Pittman, in close proximity, drew his weapon. During the standoff Tureaud realized that his shotgun was not loaded and proceeded to bring a box of shells from the car. At that time Pittman holstered his weapon andarrested Tureaud, said Sheriff Willy Martin Jr. During the incident backup wascalled to the reception hall.

The crowd’s animosity toward the officers present continued to rise, and St.

John Parish sheriff’s deputies were alerted and stood by. The crowd wascircling and pressing in on the deputies, said Martin, and in the end it took nine St. James deputies to control the situation.Arrested were Tureaud, 23, 2470 Church St., Vacherie, disturbing thepeace, aggravated assault and inciting a riot; Jennard Paul, 22, 1233 Magnolia Heights, Vacherie, disturbing the peace, failure to disperse and inciting a riot; Patrick Northop, 31, 2499 Church St., Vacherie, DWI andreckless operation as he was leaving the scene.

A few minors were taken in and released to their parents until further questioning is required, Martin added.

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