This weekend March 4-6, 2022, was very violent, with many shootings happening in and near Monroe, LA. There seems to be no end in sight, and many are trying to process why so much gun violence is happening here. On Friday, March 5, 2022, Edward Patrick was an alleged victim of a shooting in Monroe. Also, on Friday, March 4, 2022, an alleged shooting occurred on South 9th St. in Monroe involving juveniles where one or more were shot and hospitalized. Sources tell the Monroe Dispatch that numerous shots were fired. Movie Theatre Shooting - Local law enforcement officials report several incidents occurring over the weekend in the Monroe-West Monroe area that causes concern for residents. West Monroe Police reported a shooting at the Tinseltown Movie Theater Saturday, March 5, 2022. Although police said that they have not (as of press time) been able to identify who was involved in the shooting, it is believed that the shooters were juveniles who may be a part of gangs. West Monroe Police also believe that there is a victim of the shooting, as blood was discovered in the area around the theater where the shooting occurred. Police believe that whoever was shot tried to flee, leaving a trail of blood. Also, according to the report, the unidentified victim was taken to a local hospital with severe conditions from his wounds, as the unknown suspect eluded capture. One witness who heard the shots said it to be a harrowing night. The witness said that the area around the theater is usually safe, but the shots were loud and rapid that night. Police said they believed that this was an isolated incident, as no one else in the theater was threatened. As a result of the weekend shooting, West Monroe Police have visibly increased patrols in the area. In addition to the increased patrols, there will be two officers inside the theater and another officer outside patrolling the streets, especially on weekends. Officials believe that this will give citizens an extra layer of protection and safety in an effort to cut back on large crowds assembling around the movie complex. Anyone found to be disruptive will be banned, police say.

Hotel Shooting Causes Alarm - Another weekend shooting occurred Sunday, March 6 on Martin Luther King Blvd. Someone opened fire at a party being held at the OYO Hotel. According to Monroe Police, there were four individuals who were victims of the shooting. Police reports say that there was a large crowd of young adults and juveniles at the party when shots rang out. MPD said that an altercation of some sort started between some individuals preceding the shooting, and MPD responded soon thereafter. As of press time, no additional details have been released. MPD is asking for information regarding the incident and asks that anyone with information contact the Monroe Police Department at 318-329-2600 or call Crime Stoppers at 318-388-2274. Winnsboro Road Victim Identified - Law enforcement officials say that a man shot on Winnsboro Rd. has died. The victim has been identified as Frederick Little Jr. The shooting happened over the weekend on Sunday, March 6, around 1:00 AM. Officials of the Ouachita Parish Sheriff's Office (OPSO) are conducting an investigation, and as of press time, no arrests have been made. OPSO is seeking anyone with information to contact the Sheriff's Office. A BALM in Monroe is a spiritual solution to a social problem. A BALM in Monroe is a collaborative plan that every citizen, elected and appointed official, clergyman, and organization can participate in to help improve the image of Monroe while inspiring at-risk males to take more responsibility for their actions and respect the lives of others. A Balanced Approach to Lower the violent crime and Murder rate in Monroe, LA. There are three sides to every story. This was one side of this story. The Monroe Dispatch welcomes the other or another side of this story.

Fredrick Little Jr.