Owner Of Weird Downtown Shreveport Building Accused Of Assault

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One of the weirdest ongoing stories in Shreveport has taken a possibly violent turn.

Many around the Shreveport area are familiar with this large "bronze" building in Downtown Shreveport. It's clearly visible from I-20, and the surrounding areas. Many motorists point it out, and post pictures of it on their social media.

The full story behind the building involves courts, construction, and codes. The owner of the property has been under court orders to cease "construction" for almost a year. Owner Olanza Sanders was told by the City of Shreveport to stop construction on the building last July, when he added a fourth floor. That addition moved it from a "residential" to a "commercial" property in the eyes of Shreveport's Metropolitan Planning Commission, something Sanders did not have permits for.

Photo Courtesy P. Netherton

During this court battle, the City of Shreveport has been attempting to serve Sanders with paperwork for further court appearances. However Sanders has been able to avoid authorities, including Caddo Parish Sheriff's Deputies, according to KTBS.

These new reports indicate that the City moved on to hire a private firm, DeFatta & Associates, to serve Sanders with the paperwork. Court records say that when Robert Jerry DeFatta attempted to serve Sanders on May 4th, 2021, Sanders ran once again, but this time he is accused of assaulting the process server before retreating into a residence.

In addition to new court dates being set, a warrant has been issued for Sanders arrest. However, the report from KTBS indicates that police have been unable to apprehend Sanders because he "would not answer the door".

The new court hearing on the building is currently scheduled for July 6th, 2021. The initial order to stop building came nearly one year from that date, on July 21st, 2020.

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