Disturbing Number of Weekend Domestic Violence Calls in Shreveport

Shreveport police officers were extremely busy over the weekend dealing with a mulitude of domestic violence calls. Unfortunately, calls ranged from strangulation, to child endangerment, knife attacks, even battery of a pregnant woman.

Michael Edwards Arrested for Domestic Abuse Battery by Strangulation 

On August 10, around 1:30 p.m., police responded to a domestic violence call where the victim had been strangled. The investigation revealed that the suspect, Michael Edwards, was illegally in possession of a handgun, as he had three previous firearms-related convictions. He was arrested and booked into the Shreveport City Jail on charges of Domestic Abuse Battery by Strangulation and Possession of a Firearm by a Convicted Felon. 

DeCedric Burns Charged with Second-Degree Battery 

On August 8, police were called to a domestic disturbance on Huntington Avenue. They determined that DeCedric Burns had allegedly choked his niece during a family dispute, leaving visible injuries on her face and neck. Burns was taken into custody and charged with Second-Degree Battery. 

Patricia Sloan Arrested for Armed Domestic Attack 

On August 10, officers responded to a call on Sumner Street and found Patricia Sloan attacking her husband with two knives. Officers were able to disarm Sloan and arrest her without serious injury to anyone involved. The dispute reportedly stemmed from allegations of infidelity. Sloan was charged with Aggravated Assault with a Deadly Weapon. 

Ralph Spears Charged in Pursuit and Assault 

On August 8, police were dispatched to East Washington Street for an assault and battery call. They learned that Ralph Spears had followed his girlfriend to a friend’s house after she tried to leave him. He allegedly attempted to take her purse, which led to a physical altercation. Spears was arrested and charged with Domestic Abuse Aggravated Assault, Two Counts of Domestic Abuse Battery, and Simple Assault. 

Jonathan Bryant Arrested for Assault with a Firearm 

On August 10, officers responded to a call on Midway Avenue and Ferry Street. The victim reported that her ex-boyfriend, Jonathan Bryant, had struck her multiple times in the face and brandished a firearm while threatening her. The assault was captured on a bystander’s cell phone. Bryant initially refused to identify himself but was eventually booked into the Shreveport City Jail. He faces charges of Aggravated Assault with a Firearm, Aggravated Assault, Domestic Abuse Battery, and Resisting an Officer. 

Detrician Williams Arrested for Battery of a Pregnant Victim and Child Endangerment 

On August 8, police responded to a 911 hang-up call on Portland Avenue. They found a pregnant woman who had been assaulted by the father of her child, Detrician Williams. The victim stated that Williams had arrived to pick up their six-month-old daughter and that she had refused to let the child get in his car after seeing multiple firearms inside. This refusal sparked an argument during which Williams allegedly battered her. The victim was treated at the scene. Williams was arrested and charged with Domestic Abuse Battery of a Pregnant Victim and Child Endangerment. 

Resources for Domestic Violence Victims in Shreveport 

If you or someone you know is a victim of domestic violence, there are local resources that can provide help and support. 

• • Caddo Parish District Attorney's Victim Assistance Program: This program offers information, support, and assistance to crime victims and their families, including liaison services with prosecutors, safety planning, and referrals to community resources. Contact them at (318) 226-5908.
  • Northwest Louisiana Family Justice Center (NWLA FJC): This center provides a comprehensive, coordinated approach for survivors of domestic violence, sexual assault, dating violence, and stalking. They offer a 24-hour crisis hotline at (318) 226-5015 or the Louisiana State Hotline at 1-888-411-1333.
  • Louisiana Crime Victims Reparations Program: This program provides financial assistance for medical expenses, funeral costs, lost earnings, counseling, and child care directly related to a violent crime. For information in Caddo Parish, contact Deputy Camellia Williams at (318) 681-0870.
  • Louisiana Automated Victim Notification System (LAVNS): Victims can register to receive automated notifications regarding an offender's release date or custody information by calling 1-866-528-6748 or visiting their website.
  • YWCA Northwest Louisiana: Offers trauma counseling and victim assistance programs, among other services for women.
  • Project Celebration, Inc.: Provides a domestic violence shelter and a 24/7 hotline at (318) 226-5015.
  • Sexual Assault Crisis Center: Contact them at (318) 227-7900 for support regarding sexual assault.

  These organizations are dedicated to supporting victims through their difficult times and can provide essential services and guidance.