Monroe Dispatch - No Struggle, No Progress

Officers of the Monroe Police Department (MPD) recently detained a local woman for allegedly providing a handgun to an individual involved in an altercation. The woman stated that she was in the parking area of Henrietta Johnson Community Center on December 21, 2023, when an altercation occurred outside a local fish market across the street. Deputies from the Ouachita Parish Sheriff’s Office (OPSO) soon arrived at the scene, later joined by officers of the MPD Heat Team. According to sources, OPSO deputies made no arrests and let MPD handle the case. Allegedly, an MPD officer accused the woman of receiving a gun from a suspect and putting the weapon into her vehicle without her consent. The officer claimed to have seen the act on a video, but the woman defended herself, stating he was mistaken. Without asking for her consent, he proceeded to search her vehicle.

A search was conducted in the woman’s vehicle, but a gun was never found. According to her daughter, officers conducted a “thorough” search, looking in small spaces inside the vehicle, including removing some speakers from the rear. The woman carefully observed the search, fearing that “something” might be planted. When the search was completed, the woman was never shown any video by officers of an alleged gun being given to her by the suspect. She was not arrested but was allegedly threatened with arrest without being shown any evidence of a crime. The Monroe Dispatch was told that the woman and some family members “are known” by police officers, believing they are being singled out by MPD due to past issues, even if no one did anything. A family member is said to be in jail due to an alleged incident where an MPD officer claimed the family member “kicked” or assaulted him. The family is hopeful for their loved one's release but feels harassed by a cycle of police officers, keeping them on edge. One family member is worried about potential tragic events for the family member in jail and the woman due to her health issues. The woman reached out to her city council representative, alleging no assistance in dealing with issues with MPD. Coleman states she doesn’t carry a gun, although she is qualified. She claims the officer who accused her used profane words, showing no respect and treating her like a criminal. Since the December 21, 2023 incident, MPD has not offered any apology to the family.