Shootings Perilous Times

Disclaimer: A person is innocent until proven guilty. Two individuals are wanted by police following a shooting that occurred in the 2200 block of Adams St. around 10:30 PM, Saturday, July 16, 2022. According to Monroe Police (MPD), a group of people had gathered together to hold a memorial when for reasons unexplained, an argument developed between several parties among the group. MPD didn’t share what started the argument, but two individuals produced firearms and started firing their weapons as it intensified. Witnesses all allege hearing 50 or more shots fired. In the ensuing melee, police said that five people were hit. Three of the victims had non-life threatening injuries, while the other two were said to have serious injuries but were in stable condition. Following an investigation and information gathered, two individuals have been identified as the alleged shooters and are brothers. Police are looking for Jaylen Washington, 19, and his brother Jeremy Washington, 17. As of press time, the brothers are wanted on five counts of Attempted Second Degree Murder, in addition to other weapon charges. Sources tell the Monroe Dispatch that upon hearing the shots being fired, it frightened many in the area because the alleged suspects fired multiple rounds. MPD is asking the community to be cautious and that the brothers are considered armed and dangerous. Police also urge anyone with information on the whereabouts of Jaylen and Jeremy Washington to contact MPD at 318-329-2600 or contact Crime Stoppers of North Delta at 318-388-CASH (2274). In another unrelated shooting, according to police reports, deputies were called to investigate a domestic violence disturbance on Dellwood Drive in Monroe, LA, on Tuesday, July 19, 2022. Deputies located suspect Michael T. Bass at the location, and upon attempting to arrest him, the suspect physically resisted the deputies. Deputies deployed a taser to subdue him, but he continued physically resisting arrest. During the struggle with the deputies, the suspect produced a handgun, which was discharged during the struggle. The suspect was wounded in the hand but was able to flee a short distance on foot before being taken into custody. He was treated at the hospital. Deputies were not injured. The investigation into the shooting incident on Dellwood Drive has led to the arrest of Michael T. Bass. Bass has been booked into OCC on the charges of Attempted 2nd Degree Murder, Resisting a Police Officer with Force or Violence, Resisting an Officer, and Possession of a Firearm by a Convicted Felon. The investigation is continuing, and more charges are pending. In yet another fatal shooting on Tuesday, July 19, 2022, police found a victim suffering from a shooting on North 21st Street in Monroe LA. The victim, Milton Smith, had been shot in the groin area and, when found, was taken to the hospital but later died from injuries. Police are searching for suspect Rufus Sellers wanted for one count of Second-Degree Murder. There is a B.A.L.M. in Monroe is a Spiritual solution to a social problem. A B.A.L.M. is a collaborative plan that every citizen, elected and appointed official clergyman, and organization can participate in to help improve the image of Monroe while inspiring at-risk youth to make better decisions, take more responsibility for their actions, and respect the lives of others. A B.A.LM. - A Balanced Approach to Lower the violent crime and murder rate in Monroe, LA. Praise God for law enforcement! There are three sides to every story. This was one side of these stories. The Monroe Dispatch welcomes the other or another side of this story.