By ROBIN SHANNON
L’Observateur

HAHNVILLE — Authorities in St. Charles have arrested a Luling man, who allegedly helped a suspect escape the scene of the parish’s first homicide of the year, said a spokesman for the Sheriff’s Office.

Darrell Preston, 25, 1114 La. Hwy. 52, was arrested at his home Wednesday evening after a warrant was issued for his involvement in the shooting death of 25-year-old Jahman Bailey, said Sgt. Dwayne LaGrange, public information officer for the Sheriff’s Office. LaGrange said investigators believe Preston helped make arrangements to get Dayshawn Preston, 19, 1122 Kinler St., Luling, away from the scene of the murder.

Dayshawn Preston allegedly shot and killed Bailey while Bailey was standing on the curb in the 1100 block of Paul Frederick Street Sunday afternoon. When deputies arrived on the scene they found two women administering CPR in an attempt to revive Bailey. He was transported to St. Charles Parish Hospital, where he was pronounced dead.

Darrel Preston was booked into the Nelson Coleman Correctional Facility in Killona on charges of principal to second-degree murder, possession of a firearm by a convicted felon and various other drug charges. He remains in jail in lieu of a $10,030 bond.

At a press conference Tuesday, St. Charles Sheriff Greg Champagne said the shooting, which occurred sometime around 3 p.m. Sunday, was drug related but would not elaborate further. He said the incident was believed to be a drive-by shooting and is still under investigation.

In addition to Sunday’s shooting, Champagne said Dayshawn Preston is also wanted in connection with another shooting on Christmas Eve last year that left three people, including two juveniles, wounded.

According to the sheriff, Dayshawn Preston, along with Timothy Moll, 20, 1111 Kinler St., Luling, allegedly opened fire on the three victims near the intersection of Hackberry Street and Longview Drive on Dec. 24. Champagne said a 14-year-old girl and her 36-year-old mother were wounded by shotgun pellets while the woman’s 16-year-old nephew was hit by a .45 caliber bullet.

Investigators said the two men have fled the area and are believed to be traveling together somewhere in the New Orleans area. Champagne said the two should be considered armed and dangerous. He said Moll might also be involved in Sunday’s shooting.

LaGrange said anyone who may have information on the whereabouts of the men is asked to contact the St. Charles Sheriff’s Office at 985-783-1135 or call Crime Stoppers at 1-877-903-STOP. Anyone who calls can remain anonymous and could receive up to a $2,500 reward for information.