Webster Parish Man Arrested With a Gun While Hosting Wild Party

Complaints of excessive noise coming from the site of a large party in an unincorporated area of the parish this past weekend escalated to a confrontation which eventually led to the arrest of a Weldon Johnson Rd. resident on charges that include multiple counts of aggravated assault with a firearm.

Webster Parish Sheriff Jason Parker said 47-year-old Steven Charles Toms was arrested by deputies early Thursday and transported to Bayou Dorcheat Correctional Center after questioning. He is charged with violation of the parish’s noise ordinance and five counts of aggravated assault with a firearm.

Parker said Toms is accused of displaying, then placing his hand on a 9MM handgun when confronting deputies who had come onto his property to request the loud music from an outdoor party be terminated.

“We had received several complaints about the extremely loud music coming from the property and one of our deputies went to the scene to monitor the situation, including the number of persons who were on site,” Parker said. “The deputy noticed a very large crowd and cars parked in a manner that caused a hazard.”

Parker said a check showed Toms had not obtained a permit for what was billed “It’s Up,” featuring a DJ and notice to “BYOE.” Admission fees were being charged. Webster Parish ordinance requires that any gathering of 250 or more receive a permit 30 days prior to the event and that appropriate security be provided.

Although the party flyer noted “Security Strictly Enforced,” Parker said no security presence was noted when Chief Deputy Hank Haynes, Maj. Robert Hayden, Sgt. Tommy Maddox and deputies Willard Flowers and Lance Chanler came to the scene.

“Our guys approached Mr. Toms and advised him of the noise complaints and asked that the music be turned off. He became belligerent and aggressive, demanding our deputies get off his property, that he could do whatever he pleased on his own property,” Parker said.

At that point, Parker said, Toms reportedly lifted his shirt with his left hand, displaying a handgun. He then reportedly placed his right hand on the handgun, making the deputies believe he might attempt to pull the weapon.

“Our deputies did not pull their weapons in response because of the large crowd, including many juveniles, present in the immediate vicinity,” Parker said. “We did an amazing job of maintaining order and de-escalating what had the potential to be a dangerous or even deadly situation.”

According to the Sheriff, deputies left the scene after getting the party shut down.

“Our guys made the proper decision to leave after things settled down. It would not have been in the best interest of the safety of people on site if this thing had elevated to violence, and that potential was there,” Parker said. “We knew we could come back later and file charges.”

Parker said a post-incident review, followed by conversations with the District Attorney’s office, led to the arrest warrant being issued this week. A search warrant was also executed on the suspect’s residence following his arrest where deputies found the 9MM handgun described in the incident.

“No one was hurt and that’s always the goal in a situation like this,” Parker said. “Our guys resolved a situation that could have gotten out of hand.”

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