St. Landry Parish officials have announced that trail rides will no longer be allowed for the rest of 2026 following two separate shooting incidents connected to a weekend event near the Yambilee building and Ag Arena grounds in Opelousas.
The decision came after multiple people were injured, several vehicles were damaged by gunfire, and authorities issued warrants for several suspects.
Local officials say public safety concerns and repeated violence tied to large trail ride gatherings played a major role in the decision to suspend future events.
Two Shootings Happened During Weekend Trail Ride Event
According to the Opelousas Police Department, the first shooting happened around 1:45 a.m. on Sunday, May 17, near the St. Landry Parish Ag Arena.
Investigators said several individuals allegedly fired guns recklessly during the event, creating a dangerous situation for people attending the gathering. Authorities reported that the gunfire caused property damage and injured two victims.
Police said the victims suffered non-life-threatening gunshot wounds and were taken to a nearby hospital by private vehicle. Investigators also confirmed that several vehicles and a camper were struck by bullets during the shooting.
Later that same day, around 5:45 p.m., a second shooting happened near the same trail ride event location. Security personnel working the event reportedly detained a suspect immediately after the incident.
Police Issue Warrants for Multiple Suspects
Authorities announced arrest warrants for four men connected to the first shooting incident.
Police identified the suspects as:
- Brandon Zeno, 27, of Lafayette
- Jordan Bernard, 32, of Lafayette
- Hakeem Gloston, 24, of Iowa, Louisiana
- Shakeal Griffin, 30, of Lafayette
According to investigators, the suspects face charges related to illegal use of weapons and aggravated criminal damage to property. Some suspects also face firearm possession charges connected to previous felony convictions.
In the second shooting incident, authorities arrested 18-year-old Kameron Thomas of Lafayette. He was charged with illegal use of weapons or dangerous instrumentalities.
Police said additional arrests and charges are expected as the investigations continue.
Officials Cite Growing Violence at Trail Ride Events
Following the shootings, St. Landry Parish President Jessie Bellard announced that trail rides would no longer be permitted in the parish for the remainder of 2026.
Opelousas Police Chief Graig “Twin” LeBlanc later addressed the decision and expressed concerns about repeated violence linked to certain large trail ride gatherings across Louisiana and the Gulf South region.
LeBlanc said trail rides remain an important cultural tradition in South Louisiana, but public safety must come first.
According to the police chief, law enforcement officers face major risks when gunfire breaks out in crowded areas filled with hundreds or thousands of people. He warned that stray bullets or ricochets could easily injure innocent bystanders during chaotic situations.
Police Say Officers Are Under Heavy Strain
LeBlanc also stated that repeated violent incidents at large gatherings have placed heavy pressure on local law enforcement resources.
He explained that officers are frequently forced to respond to preventable violence connected to certain events, creating exhaustion and safety concerns for both police and the public.
The police chief said he could not support future trail rides under current conditions unless organizers and participants demonstrate stronger commitments to safety and accountability.
Investigators Reviewing Surveillance and Witness Statements
Authorities said investigators are continuing to review surveillance footage and eyewitness accounts from both shootings.
The Opelousas Police Department thanked community members who provided information that helped identify suspects involved in the incidents.
Police are also working closely with the St. Landry Parish Sheriff’s Office and other agencies as the investigations remain active.
Community Divided Over Trail Ride Ban
The decision to ban trail rides for the remainder of 2026 is expected to spark debate across the region. Many residents view trail rides as an important part of South Louisiana culture, music, and tradition.
At the same time, recent violence connected to some events has raised growing concerns about crowd control, security, and public safety.
Officials say the ban is intended to prevent future violence while organizers and authorities explore ways to improve safety at future gatherings.
