SPD, DDA, club owner partner to increase downtown safety

In response to recent violent incidents in downtown Shreveport, local authorities and business leaders have launched a collaborative effort to enhance safety in the area. The Shreveport Downtown Development Authority (DDA), Shreveport Police Department, and downtown business owner Chelette Holden are working together to implement additional measures aimed at protecting visitors during the nighttime hours.

Starting immediately, extra police patrols will be deployed in two key downtown locations from 10 p.m. to 3 a.m., a timeframe identified as critical for safety concerns. This initiative aims to boost visibility, deter crime, and foster a sense of security among individuals enjoying the nightlife, as outlined in a joint news release from the involved parties.

The decision to increase police presence follows several troubling incidents, including a shooting on March 22 that resulted in the deaths of JaCorey Fuller, 28, and Noah Penn, 24, and left two others critically injured. Kentavious Taylor has since been arrested on charges of second-degree murder in connection with this incident. Additionally, another man lost his life in January due to a fight outside a different downtown establishment.

Cedric B. Glover, Executive Director of the DDA, emphasized the importance of maintaining a secure atmosphere in downtown Shreveport. He described this partnership as a significant step toward ensuring safety, particularly in the high-risk hours when additional security is most needed.

Chelette Holden, a DDA board member and owner of several downtown businesses, played a crucial role in identifying safety concerns and providing financial support to fund the increased police presence. She expressed her commitment to making downtown Shreveport a fun and safe destination, with aspirations of transforming the area into a vibrant hub reminiscent of Times Square.