The Ruston Police Department has charged several individuals with crimes ranging from second degree battery to disturbing the peace as part of the investigation of an incident in Downtown Ruston early on Saturday, April 5.
On Friday, RPD arrested Detravion Williams, 17, of Homer, for second degree battery, a felony. At least one more person is expected to be charged with second degree battery, Chief Eric Watson said.
Investigators have also cited Jake Elkins, 20, of Quitman, for disturbing the peace by fighting.
Additional arrests and summonses are anticipated as the investigation continues into the incident that left 24-year-old Jacob Hudson with several facial injuries.
Watson said the incident occurred about 2:45 a.m. Saturday morning but police did not learn of it until they were called to the Northern Louisiana Medical Center emergency room about 4:00 a.m.
Chief Watson said none of the individuals involved are from Lincoln Parish or attend local universities.
The injuries to Hudson generated considerable outrage on social media.
However, Watson said information revealed during the investigation contradicts much of the initial social media posts about the incident. Instead of occurring in front of Ponchatoula’s Restaurant, it occurred in the City of Ruston’s Sexton Parking Lot across the street.
Social media posts appear to indicate the conflict occurred while Hudson escorted a young woman from Ponchatoula’s to her car. Watson said the investigation showed the young woman had left the area before the fight occurred. Watson said he was not sure how much the reported escort from the restaurant had to do with what happened later.
“No one is really without fault in this. It was 2:45 in the morning. Alcohol, young men, and attitudes kind of got carried away and unfortunately, someone ended up injured,” Watson said
Numerous people have been questioned in the case by RPD and the investigation is still underway.
“There’s a handful of people we still need to talk to and determine exactly what role they played,” said Watson.
Between 8 to 12 individuals were involved in the incident at one time or another, according to the investigation.
In Louisiana, second degree battery is punishable by a fine of not more than $2,000 or imprisonment for not more than eight years, or both.
