A drive-by shooting in Bogalusa has led to multiple arrests after police recovered firearms, including a weapon equipped with an illegal machine-gun conversion device.
Shooting Incident on Wilmuth Street
On Sunday, May 17, 2026, at around 1:04 a.m., officers from the Bogalusa Police Department responded to the 900 block of Wilmuth Street after receiving reports of shots fired.
Authorities discovered that a dispute involving several individuals escalated into gunfire near the intersection of Berne Avenue and Wilmuth Street. Witnesses reported that shots were fired from a vehicle before another person returned fire and fled the area.
Evidence and Firearms Recovered
Investigators recovered multiple spent shell casings and used surveillance footage, witness interviews, and search warrants to identify suspects and locate the firearms used in the incident. Among the weapons seized was a Palmetto State Armory Dagger 9mm handgun equipped with an illegal machine-gun conversion device, commonly called a “switch,” which can convert a semi-automatic handgun into a fully automatic weapon.
Officers also recovered a second semi-automatic handgun, ammunition, and evidence linking one of the firearms to the shooting.
Arrests and Charges
As a result of the investigation, authorities arrested the following individuals:
Male Juvenile
Charged with assault by drive-by shooting, illegal carrying of weapons, illegal possession of a handgun, illegal use of weapons or dangerous instruments, obstruction of justice, and unlawful possession of a machine gun.
Female Juvenile
Charged as a principal to assault by drive-by shooting, principal to illegal use of dangerous weapons, obstruction of justice, and illegal possession of a handgun.
Casey D. Morgan, 36, of Bogalusa
Charged with accessory after the fact and obstruction of justice.
Both juveniles were held at the Florida Parishes Juvenile Detention Center pending a 72-hour hearing.
Ongoing Investigation
The Bogalusa Police Department stated that the investigation is still active, and additional charges or arrests may follow as evidence is reviewed and more interviews are conducted. Authorities are urging anyone with information to contact the Criminal Investigations Division at (985) 732-3611.
A department spokesperson expressed concern about the firearm with the illegal conversion device, noting that such weapons dramatically increase the risk to both civilians and officers. The department emphasized its commitment to aggressively investigating violent crimes and holding offenders accountable.
