Shreveport VCAT Nabs 6 Armed, Violent Suspects in Bust

SHREVEPORT, LA    VCAT Apprehends Six Armed Suspects in Argyle Street Bust

On December 16, 2024, at approximately 9:00 PM, members of the Shreveport Police Department’s K-9 Unit conducted a suspicious vehicle stop in the 600 block of Argyle Street. During the stop, officers observed five individuals sitting in a white SUV parked in the front yard of 614 Argyle Street. Upon closer inspection, officers spotted three firearms and marijuana in plain view inside the vehicle.

The occupants were detained, and SPD’s Violent Crimes Apprehension Team (VCAT) was contacted for further investigation. After arriving on the scene, VCAT conducted interviews, collected evidence, and secured a search warrant for the residence at 614 Argyle Street. During the search, an additional firearm was recovered from inside the home.

A total of six suspects were taken into custody and charged with multiple offenses:

Suspect: Kenyetta Griffins (DOB: 02/13/1979)

· Possession of a Firearm by a Felon

Suspect: Ryan Merritt (DOB: 09/02/2004)

• Illegal Carrying of a Weapon with CDS
• Possession of Marijuana with Intent to Distribute

Suspect: Gabriel Richardson (DOB: 10/12/2005)

• Illegal Carrying of a Weapon with CDS
• Possession of Marijuana with Intent to Distribute

Suspect: Dmariae Edwards (DOB: 08/28/1998)

• Illegal Carrying of a Weapon with CDS
• Possession of Marijuana with Intent to Distribute

Suspect: Jobe Smith (DOB: 08/13/2005)

• Illegal Carrying of a Weapon with CDS
• Possession of Marijuana with Intent to Distribute

Suspect: Jaylyn Johnson (DOB: 01/23/2006)

• Illegal Carrying of a Weapon with CDS
• Possession of Marijuana with Intent to Distribute

Seized Evidence

• Two .40 caliber semi-automatic pistols
• Two 9mm semi-automatic pistols (one confirmed stolen)
• 30 grams of marijuana
• Narcotics-related paraphernalia

The suspects were transported to the SPD Jail for booking, and all evidence was secured in the SPD Property Room.

“This is proactive police work at its finest,” said Chief Wayne Smith. “By addressing these situations head-on, we are not only removing illegal firearms from our streets but also holding offenders accountable, many of whom are already convicted felons. The dedication and teamwork displayed by our officers exemplify the SPD’s commitment to keeping our community safe.”