Two Mt. Hermon teenagers were arrested last week in connection with gun-related crimes, according to Chief Deputy Mike Haley of the Washington Parish Sheriff’s Office.

On Thursday, WPSO Patrol Lt. Michelle Brumfield and Deputy Justin Blackwell responded to a report of numerous gunshots being fired on Thomas Cryer Road in Mt. Hermon, Haley said.

Upon arriving at the scene, they reportedly discovered many spent shell casings in the roadway. Their investigation revealed that two teens were involved in the incident and both were arrested, Haley said.

The younger teenager was referred to juvenile authorities. His name was not released, due to his age. The older teenager, Johnell Kavon Matthews, 17, a resident of Thomas Cryer Road, was placed in jail.

Haley said that two weapons were recovered, one of which had been stolen previously in Denham Springs.

Matthews remains in jail charged with possession of a stolen firearm, illegal discharge of a weapon and accessory after the fact. His bond has been set at $5,000.

“Lt. Brumfield and Deputy Blackwell did a great job,” Parish Sheriff Randy Seal said. “I appreciate all that these fine officers did and am grateful to the cooperative parents of these two teens. It is always disheartening to see young men like this involved in criminal activity.

“I hope this will serve as a wake-up call to them and help them to get on the right track to become productive citizens.”