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BOGALUSA, La. — In the wake of the Jan. 11 shooting outside Bogalusa High School, Mayor Tyrin Truong held a press conference to announce a series of City Council meetings starting Jan. 15, focusing on increased community policing.

The shooting incident left a 13-year-old injured and a 14-year-old dead. Acting Assistant Chief of Police Troy Tervalon said several suspects are being investigated. Authorities have taken 21 year old Jamichael Spikes into custody for obstruction of justice and issued a warrant for a 17-year-old in connection with the murder.

Tervalon noted that the shooting was targeted, involving juveniles, and several handguns have been recovered. He added that two Bogalusa Police Department officers and a school resource officer from Covington High School were on detail at the basketball game when the incident occurred.

Eric Greely, principal of Bogalusa High School, initiated a lockdown when shots were heard and the crime scene was discovered. Bogalusa City Schools Superintendent Byron Hurst assured that game attendees were never in danger. He announced that future home basketball games would be held at alternative venues, coordinated by the school’s coaches and athletic director.

Additionally, Hurst stated that the high school would see increased security starting Jan. 15, along with the provision of grief counselors.

In his commitment to enhancing safety, Truong advocated for a greater presence of officers on the streets, moving away from desk duties at the police department.

The Bogalusa Police Department requests anyone with information to please call 985-732-3611.