Getting your Trinity Audio player ready...

Last night, August 16, 2023, at approximately 9:46 pm, deputies responded to the report of four males trespassing near the pool area of 1952 Ormond Boulevard in Destrehan, LA.

Deputies located Derrick Diggs, Jr, Nicholas Fields, Tyran Mitchell, Jr, and Bryan Weathersby who said they were walking around the area looking for a male named Gabe. They claimed Gabe had stolen a backpack while they played basketball, without permission, on the outside basketball court at Ethel Schoeffner Elementary. The backpack contained two firearms, a phone, and jewelry.

Through investigation, deputies determined the male who had stolen the backpack was Gabriel McDowell. One firearm was recovered and the other is believed to be in another parish. Out of an abundance of caution, deputies searched the area of Ethel Schoeffner and New Sarpy Elementary Schools this morning to ensure the safety of students, faculty, and citizens.

At no time were there any threats made to the school or to students.

All five males were arrested.

Derrick Diggs, Jr, 24, of Kenner, charged with Criminal Trespass, Firearm Free Zone, Fugitive

Nicholas Fields, 21, of Destrehan, charged with Criminal Trespass

Gabriel McDowell, 18, of Destrehan, charged with Criminal Trespass, Theft of a Firearm (2 Counts), Theft, Firearm Free Zone

Tyran Mitchell, Jr, 23, of Kenner, charged with Criminal Trespass, Firearm Free Zone

Bryan Weathersby, 23, of River Ridge, charged with Criminal Trespass