DeRidder mayor responds to disturbance at high school basketball game

DERIDDER, La. (KPLC) - The Beauregard Parish Sheriff’s Office and DeRidder Police Department are investigating an incident that occurred Friday night at DeRidder High School’s basketball game against Leesville High.

A fight broke out between high school students outside the gymnasium around 9:15 p.m. As officers and deputies were attempting to stop the fight, multiple deputies were attacked by multiple juveniles by being struck in the face and head and from behind, authorities said Saturday.

KPLC received a video of multiple officers on top of and hitting a person, who witnesses say was a 16-year-old. In the video, witnesses are heard calling for the officers to get off of the subject.

The crowd refused to disperse as directed by deputies and officers, resulting in other fights between juveniles across the parking lot area, authorities said.

One juvenile was arrested on charges of disturbing the peace/fighting and released to their parents with a summons, authorities said.

Three juveniles were arrested and charged with disturbing the peace/fighting, resisting an officer by force or violence and battery of a police officer, authorities said. These three juveniles were booked into jail and later released to their parents.

DeRidder police and the sheriff’s office are reviewing all available footage and asking anyone with information or video of the incident to contact one of the agencies. The agencies say this incident is being taken “very seriously.”

The investigation is ongoing.

DeRidder and Leesville’s rivalry has a history of causing trouble. In September 2021, a fight involving adults and juveniles at a football game led to a shooting and the arrests of nine people, including six juveniles.

Rumors circulated on social media before another game between the two schools in October, leading law enforcement to increase security at the stadium.

The following is a statement from DeRidder Mayor Misty Clanton:

We woke up to an uneasy day in our community. Thankfully, these are rare. But, when one of us is hurting - we all feel the pain. For me, this day began last night during the DeRidder basketball game when multiple threats started coming in. I knew our team was on the ground ready and willing to protect our city - just as they do each and every day.
First and foremost, I want you to know that myself, Police Chief Richard and Deputy Chief Darren Hall began conversations last night and have spent most of today reviewing all footage that we could obtain from the many incidents that occurred last night following the game.
My preliminary findings reveal that no DeRidder Police Officer was involved in any direct physical altercation with any juvenile. Additional footage is still being obtained and citizen videos have been requested and will continue to be reviewed and investigated.
Sheriff Mark Herford will also be conducting an investigation and will be able to review and respond to any questions concerning his agency and/or deputies that were involved.
Today has been heartbreaking on many levels. To be honest, I haven’t been able to find the right words.
I will be the first to say that the 28 second clip that is circulating is heartbreaking and very difficult to watch. I will also say that the moments leading up to, during and after are also extremely disturbing. Obviously, this situation required some actions that were uncomfortable and difficult. Ultimately, peace had to restored.
I am of the opinion that each incident must be reviewed separately and discussed with the proper agency if there are concerns or questions. I assure you that each agency takes this matter very seriously and if any action is discovered to be a violation of policy - we will hold any and all parties involved accountable.
The last few years have been challenging on many levels for our community. But, youth and violence has taken center stage far too many times.
Once again, rumors of gangs, fights and guns surfaced in our community yesterday evening and were centered around, yet again - an event that our children should be able to enjoy. This should be a memory that will be reflected back upon as a fun, home team spirit, rivalry game. We are better than this.
What stood out to me in the footage was the vulgar language, complete disrespect, and an unwillingness to listen. This is across the board. Again, we are better than this.
Even after the events at the high school last night, our officers responded to multiple juvenile disturbances throughout the night. While this isn’t a nightly occurrence - it certainly had my attention last night.
This statement isn’t to outline a solution. That will take this entire community. But, we first must accept the fact that we do - in fact - have a problem. We can’t turn a blind eye. We can’t point fingers. We must take responsibility and each do our part. And yes, sometimes we have to make the difficult admission that it could be happening in our own homes. As always, I will be the first at the table ready to work.
This is not a time for division. This is about community.
These have been some difficult, dark moments - but if we want a better outcome we are going to have to bring this community together to work for the future that we all know we are capable of building.
I pray for all involved. The children and their families. Our schools. Our law enforcement community. Now is not the time to tear these individuals down. We need to lift them up and continue to show our love and support. They all need us now more than ever.

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