Bogalusa Man Arrested After Allegedly Threatening Shooting At Washington Parish Free Fair

WASHINGTON PARISH, La. — A 45-year-old Bogalusa man was arrested Saturday after police received reports that he threatened to bring a firearm to the Washington Parish Free Fair and shoot someone involved in a personal dispute.

According to the Bogalusa Police Department, officers responded to the reported threat around 2:54 p.m. on October 24.

Investigators said the individual who reported the threat told officers that Brian Paquin, 45, had threatened to retrieve a firearm and travel to the fairgrounds with another person.

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Officers located Paquin shortly afterward and observed ammunition inside his vehicle. During a consensual search, police reported recovering a modified .22-caliber rifle, additional ammunition and suspected marijuana.

Paquin was arrested and charged with menacing, driving with a suspended license and simple possession of marijuana.

Police also contacted individuals potentially affected by the threat and coordinated with law enforcement personnel assigned to the fairgrounds.

A second individual connected to the incident was prohibited from entering the fairgrounds for the remainder of the year.

Bogalusa Police Chief James Smith credited officers for their quick response, saying their actions helped prevent a potentially dangerous situation.

No shooting or injuries were reported in connection with the incident.

The arrest raises an important question about security at large public gatherings and how quickly authorities can intervene when threats of violence are reported.

Paquin has not been convicted of the charges.