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MINDEN, La. (KTBS) – Less than a week after an unauthorized hike turned violent in Cotton Valley, the Webster Parish Sheriff’s Office has learned that another unauthorized hike has been announced for this weekend. end.
Sheriff Jason Parker said if it hadn’t been for a concerned citizen sending him a video of the event, Sunday’s scheduled hike to Doyline would have escaped scrutiny required by the Events Ordinance parish specials.
But even if the organizer didn’t follow the 30-day requirement notice, they will be allowed to hold their ride, but only with an attendance limit of 150, Parker said.
The trail ride could have been denied.
“But I don’t want to be the guy who always puts his thumbs up. I understand that there are people who want to do the right thing and others who want to take advantage of the situation,” Parker said.
And he thinks that’s what happened with the upcoming hike. Sheriff investigators tracked down the organizer on Thursday and learned he had not authorized the video that was circulating on social media. It depicts a large, mostly young crowd dancing to rap music, drinking alcohol, and riding in trucks and some on horseback.
The organizer, Parker said, only wanted to hold a small family event, but others grew it from there.
“We educated him and sent him to the police jury to complete the proper paperwork,” Parker said.
Parker said he’s also spoken to Doyline residents who don’t want a big event in their community.
Thus, the parish will authorize hiking, but deputies will be in force outside the site of the event to monitor traffic. Vehicles will not be allowed to block roads. And once the attendance limit is reached, the entrance will be closed, Parker said.
The sheriff stressed that his deputies will not be there to provide security. Organizers are required to engage a private surety company when their expected participation exceeds a certain amount. Webster MPs will only be in the area to provide traffic control and an emergency presence.
“We don’t want a repeat of what happened in Cotton Valley,” Parker said.
Parker said he’s also spoken to Doyline residents who don’t want a big event in their community.
Thus, the parish will authorize hiking, but deputies will be in force outside the site of the event to monitor traffic. Vehicles will not be allowed to block roads. And once the attendance limit is reached, the entrance will be closed, Parker said.
The sheriff stressed that his deputies will not be there to provide security. Organizers are required to engage a private surety company when their expected participation exceeds a certain amount. Webster MPs will only be in the area to provide traffic control and an emergency presence.
“We don’t want a repeat of what happened in Cotton Valley,” Parker said.
He plans to visit the police jury and others again to see if anything needs to be changed about the permit process and to make sure the public is aware of what is required.
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