Lack of police presence before Ford Park shooting

SHREVEPORT, La. (KTAL/KMSS) – City council members voiced their frustrations about a lack of police presence leading up to a shooting at Ford Park Sunday night.

Councilwoman Tabatha Taylor of District A said she personally went to Ford Park when she heard about the shooting and spoke to witnesses who told her they ran for their lives and had to scramble to find cover behind vehicles.

Her along with councilman Gary Brooks of District B pressed Chief Wayne Smith as to why an officer was not stationed at the park that evening to deter crime.

“What is concerning to me is, because this council has asked so many times, especially leading up to a holiday weekend about police presence and there was none. I know we have requested trailer cams, cameras, and I know we’ve allocated money for these things. But nothing bothers me more not having a police presence there, especially when we asked for it,” Taylor said.

“There seems to be a lot of plans when ya’ll come to these meetings, acronyms for this or that, but here’s another who’s not alive,” Brooks said.

Chief Wayne Smith answered their questions responding by saying there were officers dedicated to areas across the city, however none were there when the shooting happened.

He said three of his officers on patrol that night were in the middle of making arrests when it happened.

A canine unit nearby heard the call come through dispatch then immediately headed that way and heard gunshots upon arrival.

Officers then arrived within minutes of the call.