Real-Time Crime Center, cameras used in Shreveport nightclub beating investigation

SHREVEPORT, La. (KTAL/KMSS) – Shreveport Police Department says they have a strong presence in downtown Shreveport especially at night following the beating of a man.

Corporal Chris Bordelon with the Shreveport Police Department says, “You take individuals, and you take them out late at night, and supply alcohol, we tend to have problems. We tend to have individuals make poor decisions because they are intoxicated or they’re around individuals that they’re not usually around.”

On January 26th, an argument outside of a night club in downtown Shreveport turned violent resulting in the death of 43-year-old Christopher J. Temple on Saturday, February 15.

SPD says the use of cameras are helping their ability to report the facts.

“The Shreveport Police Department Homicides and Violent Crimes detectives have obtained lots of security footage of this incident and we have a full understanding of what took place that night. What we are handing over to the District Attorney now is to interpret the law as to how this should go forward,” said Corporal Bordelon.

He says cameras and the Real-Time Crime Center have been extremely effective in solving and preventing crime.

“For one, it helps us lock criminals up quickly and effectively and keep them in jail. Stronger cases mean stronger prosecution which mean harsher sentences and that’s what we’re working to do,” said Corporal Bordelon.

Bordelon says this is a complex situation with many moving parts and players. According to SPD, the argument began inside of the night club and moved outside to many locations.

SPD says they arrived as soon as they were called, unfortunately Temple had already suffered a major injury of hitting his head on concrete after being hit.

“Unfortunately, nobody called us right away. You know the incident appeared to have occurred inside of a night club and spilled out of the night club and a small scuffle happened then, and then from there it escalated further, and it wasn’t until the end of the events that Shreveport Police was actually notified,” said Corporal Bordelon.

He says according to video there were at least two altercations at different locations, one on Spring Street and one on Commerce Street.

Corporal Bordelon says that the police department does not prosecute cases, and they will defer to the DA’s office on the legality of the situation.