LPJ Staff Report
RUSTON, La. — Ruston’s mayor and police chief are expected to discuss neighborhood safety at a public meeting Monday night, days after a fatal shooting at Huckleberry Trails Park.
The meeting is scheduled for 6 p.m. Monday at The Springs, located on 1601 South Barnett Springs Street. Mayor Ronny Walker, Ward 5 alderman Bruce Siegmund and Police Chief Eric Watson are expected to speak.
The meeting is aimed primarily at residents of District 5, which includes the park, but is open to anyone in the city who wants to attend.
“It’s just a meeting where we can answer any questions,” said Walker. “Bruce Siegmund, the alderman from that area, will be there. Eric Watson, our chief of police, and myself will be there, and we’ll answer any questions, talk about what we’ve already done in the past year, year and a half at that park and what we’ll be doing in the coming months — not just at that park, but within the city itself — to continue to have a very safe place for people to walk, ride their bikes and enjoy a very safe city.”
The Lincoln Parish Journal reported this week that one person was killed and another injured in a shooting at the park Sunday afternoon. Ruston police arrested a 19-year-old Simsboro man, who faces charges including second-degree murder. That investigation is ongoing.
Huckleberry Trails Park is a 23-acre wooded park at 2304 Magnolia Drive, next to Cypress Springs Elementary School. The city bought the property in 2004, and the park includes walking trails, a playground and a learning center.
Details of the meeting were provided to the Journal by former Ruston Alderman Marie Riggs, who represented District 5 for three terms. She said she hopes the discussion will address conditions at the park and at other city parks.
