Shreveport Police Dept.

Date: Oct 02, 2009

Phone: (318) 525-5066 Fax: (318) 673-6933

Contact: Cpl. Bill Goodin, Public Information Officer

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Special operation takes down violent criminals

Agents with the Caddo-Shreveport Narcotics Unit and Federal Agents have arrested ten suspects as part of an ongoing investigation into the criminal distribution of narcotics, firearms violations, and criminal street gang activities.

Agents arrested nine suspects this week as part of a special operation aimed specifically at targeting criminal street gangs involved in illegal activities that often spawn violence in our communities. One additional suspect was arrested back in July.

The Caddo Parish Sheriff’s Office, the Shreveport Police Department, the United States Marshal’s Task Force, and the A.T.F all worked together in concert to take these violent offenders off our streets and make Shreveport a safer place for all of us. The investigation began early 2009 and continues now, even after these arrests have been made.

Shreveport Police Chief Henry Whitehorn lauded the operation, saying, “We are working everyday to send a message to these gang members that their violent activities are not going to be tolerated. This operation is a perfect example of how law enforcement agencies can work together combining resources and manpower to put these street thugs behind bars where they belong. And I want to stress that this effort does not stop here. If you are a gang member in Shreveport putting the lives of innocent, hard working folks at risk, we will put you in jail.”

Caddo Parish Sheriff Steve Prator praised the effort as well, adding, “Most people think of the Caddo Sheriff's Office as being rural law enforcement, but the quality of life in Shreveport is very much our concern. This operation reinforces that when law enforcement agencies work together more is accomplished. If you are involved in illegal activity in Shreveport or anywhere else in Caddo Parish, we're going to find you.”

Special Agent in charge of the A.T.F.’s Shreveport Field Office Wade Rasberry noted, “The A.T.F. prides itself on the working relationship we maintain with state and local law enforcement agencies. We believe that collaboration is imperative to our mission, and we will continue to do everything we can to make our neighborhoods safer.”

The following suspects were arrested in connection with this investigation:

DeAndra Salone, 24 years old, of the 5300 block of Roberts St. in Shreveport, charged with two counts of distribution of a Schedule I narcotic, and one count each of conspiracy to distribute marijuana, possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, and use of a firearm with a drug trafficking crime.

Antonio Church, 25 years old, of the 200 block of W. 86 th St. in Shreveport, charged with one count each of conspiracy to distribute a Schedule I narcotic and convicted felon in possession of a firearm.

Isaac Sims, 26 years old, of the 2600 block of Mimosa in Shreveport, charged with one count each of distribution of a Schedule I narcotic and use of a firearm with a drug trafficking crime.

Brandon Bradford, 27 years old, of the 1400 block of Ford St. in Shreveport, charged with one count of conspiracy to distribute a Schedule I narcotic and two counts of possession of a Schedule I narcotic with intent to distribute.

James Bradford, 28 years old, of the 1400 block of Ford St. in Shreveport, charged with two counts of possession of a Schedule I narcotic with intent to distribute.

Eric Walter, 36 years old, of the 3200 block of Pines Rd. in Shreveport, charged with one count of conspiracy to distribute a Schedule I narcotic.

Derrick Claville, 28 years old, of the 6500 block of Tierra in Shreveport, charged with two counts of conspiracy to distribute a Schedule I narcotic.

Troy Theus, 26 years old, of the 6900 block of Lavender in Shreveport, charged with two counts of convicted felon in possession of a firearm. Theus is currently in the Caddo Correctional Center charged with attempted second degree murder, domestic abuse battery and several other charges.

Ebony Sims, 24 years old, of the 4200 block of Ester in Shreveport, charged with one count each of possession of a Schedule I narcotic and possession of a firearm with controlled dangerous substances.

Dequan Parks, 31 years old of the 5200 block of Roberts St. in Shreveport, was arrested back in July as part of this investigation. Parks is in the Caddo Correctional Center charged with attempted first degree murder. Detectives believe Parks shot Antonio Church back on July 10, 2009.

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View all SPD press releases at www.shreveportla.gov