Lincoln Parish Sheriff Stephen Williams announced Friday multiple arrests have been made following a series of assaults on a local man on April 16. In addition to the arrests, multiple stolen firearms and drugs were seized during the investigation.
The Sheriff’s Office began investigating a shooting that left one man seriously injured on April 16. Deputies responded to the shooting late that night at the intersection of Second Street and Hickory Street off Water Tank Road southeast of Ruston. Upon arrival, patrol deputies located a male victim suffering from multiple gunshot wounds
Detectives responded and processed the scene and interviewed witnesses. It was discovered DaVeontre Modest had been involved in a fight earlier in the evening on nearby Donna Lane where a group of at least 15 people allegedly beat him. During this altercation, Modest lost consciousness as the group continued to batter him.
After regaining consciousness, Modest left the scene. While traveling on Second Street near the intersection of Hickory Street, Modest was confronted by two armed individuals. Approximately 25 shots were fired and Modest was struck several times. Modest was airlifted to a Shreveport hospital due to the extent of his injuries.
As the investigation progressed, multiple arrest warrants and search warrants were obtained for the suspects involved. On April 23, search warrants were executed at various locations in Lincoln Parish. Narcotics and multiple stolen weapons were recovered, and several arrests effected.
In one raid, Anthony Bass, 21, was charged with numerous violations after marijuana and pills were found after a search of his home on Hickory Street near the scene of the shooting.
According to a deputy’s report, the amount of marijuana and the presence of plastic baggies and digital scales in Bass’s home indicated the drug was being packaged for sale.
Bass was booked at the Lincoln Parish Detention Center for possession of marijuana with intent to distribution, possession of a legend drug, violation of the Controlled Substances Act (drug-free zone), possession of drug paraphernalia and a warrant held by the LA Department of Corrections—Probation & Parole.
Dennis Waits, 23, and Tavarion Bass, 19, both of Ruston, were arrested on warrants for second degree battery on Modest.
On April 24, a juvenile male was taken into custody and charged with attempted second degree murder. He is currently being held at the Jackson Parish Detention Center.
On May 1, 2024, Kelvin L. Woods Jr., 20, of Ruston, was arrested and questioned by detectives. Woods was booked for attempted second degree murder. He is in custody at the Lincoln Parish Detention Center with bail set at $500,000.
“This investigation was very difficult and drawn out,” Sheriff Williams told the Lincoln Parish Journal. “I’m very proud of the hard work and dedication that our detectives dedicated to this case.”
Williams also acknowledged his staff had valuable assistance from a number of area law enforcement agencies. “We would like to recognize and thank all those who participated in this investigation,” the sheriff revealed. “Participating agencies included the Ouachita Parish Sheriff’s Office, Metro Narcotics, the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration, Louisiana Attorney General Office, Louisiana Probation and Parole, and the Lincoln Parish Sheriff’s Office.”
The sheriff also commended citizen involvement in the investigation. “I would also like to thank the community for stepping up and giving information. This case really proves that if work together we can make our community safer and stronger,” Williams said.
This case remains under investigation and more arrests are anticipated, according to the Sheriff’s Office. Detectives are requesting anyone with information regarding this incident please contact the Lincoln Parish Sheriff’s Office at 318-251-5111 or CrimeStoppers of Lincoln Parish.
Information to CrimeStoppers can be given in several ways. Call 318-255-1111, text a tip to “TIP515 plus your message” to CRIMES (274637), or submit a tip online at http://www.rustonlincolncrimestoppers.com.
