News Summary
The Shreveport Police Department has arrested nine individuals for illegally occupying vacant homes under a new ordinance. The crackdown was part of Operation A.S.K. B.L.U.E., initiated to address the city’s surging issue of squatting. Besides enhancing law enforcement’s capacity to handle illegal occupancy, the ordinance aims to mitigate the various criminal activities linked to squatting. Local authorities urge community members to report any suspected cases to improve public safety and uphold neighborhood standards.
Shreveport – The Shreveport Police Department (SPD) has arrested nine individuals for illegally occupying vacant homes in the city following the implementation of a new city ordinance aimed at combating illegal squatting. The arrests took place between May 15 and June 5, 2025, just weeks after the ordinance took effect on April 3.
The individuals arrested during this crackdown include:
- Robert Douglas – May 30
- Lachelle Barnum and Jerman Wilson – June 2
- Kiante Henderson, Derek Holden, Lisa James, Patrick Richmond, and Jose Hector – June 4
- Marie Alfred, Alonzo Allen, Gregory George, Sharon George, and Adam Peal – June 5
Prior to the implementation of this ordinance, the SPD received over 300 calls regarding squatters between January 2024 and March 2025. Almost 40% of these reports originated from the Highland area of Shreveport, indicating a significant issue with illegal occupancy in that neighborhood.
The newly enacted ordinance is designed to afford law enforcement additional tools to address illegal squatting and the accompanying criminal activity. The ordinance specifically prohibits the occupancy of structures that are deemed unfit for human habitation. In response to this growing problem, the SPD has announced the launch of Operation A.S.K. B.L.U.E. (Addressing Squatters Knowledgeably – Bold Legal Unified Efforts), which will actively enforce the new law.
The SPD has highlighted a range of issues that have been linked to squatting, including theft, burglary, unauthorized entry, trespassing, property damage, drug-related activities, armed threats, and arson. This demonstrates that the practice not only poses a risk to property owners but also to the broader community’s safety.
The ordinance was introduced by Mayor Tom Arceneaux in response to the escalating problem of illegal squatting within the city. Police Chief Wayne Smith has stated that illegal squatting is a dual crisis, impacting both property rights and public safety concerns.
Initial enforcement efforts will be concentrated in the Highland neighborhood, which has seen significant issues related to illegal occupancy. Following these initial efforts, the SPD plans to extend its operations to cover other areas in the city that are similarly affected.
In a collaborative approach to address this multifaceted issue, the SPD will work in conjunction with various local agencies, including Code Enforcement, Animal Control, and local housing organizations. This partnership aims to create an effective strategy to tackle the root causes and manifestations of illegal squatting.
Community members are encouraged to take an active role in reporting any suspected cases of squatting to the SPD at (318) 673-7300. Reports can also be made anonymously through Caddo Crime Stoppers at (318) 673-7373, allowing residents to assist in the effort to enhance public safety and maintain neighborhood standards.
The SPD’s efforts are a response to the pressing need for a coordinated strategy to combat illegal squatting and ensure that vacant homes do not become hotspots for criminal activities. The newly enacted ordinance, coupled with the proactive initiatives from law enforcement, aims to significantly reduce the incidence of illegal occupancy in Shreveport.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
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Shreveport Police Arrest Nine Individuals Following New Ordinance Targeting Squatters
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Shreveport’s Crime Rates Decrease, But Sexual Crimes Rise
Shreveport Takes Steps to Combat Blight and Squatting
Shreveport Mayor Addresses School Closures and Community Safety
Shreveport Launches Initiative to Combat Squatting
Shreveport Tackles Squatter Issues with New Initiative
Shreveport Launches Operation A.S.K. B.L.U.E. to Combat Squatting
Shreveport Lawsuit Highlights Growing Squatter Crisis
Additional Resources
- KSLA: 9 People Arrested in Shreveport Ordinance Crackdown
- KTBS: Shreveport Police Announces Several Arrests
- 710 KEEL: Shreveport Police Crackdown on Squatting
- Shreveport Times: Ordinance Targets Squatting
- Shreveport-Bossier Advocate: Focus on Owners as More Squatters Arrested
- Wikipedia: Squatting
- Google Search: Squatting Issues Shreveport
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Squatting
- Google News: Squatting Shreveport
- Google Scholar: Squatting Law
Author: STAFF HERE SHREVEPORT WRITER
The SHREVEPORT STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREShreveport.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Shreveport, Caddo Parish, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Mudbug Madness Festival, Red River Revel Arts Festival, and Independence Bowl. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Shreveport-Bossier Chamber of Commerce and Shreveport Regional Arts Council, plus leading businesses in gaming, healthcare, and energy that power the local economy such as Horseshoe Casino, Ochsner LSU Health, and Atmos Energy. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREBatonRouge.com and HERENewOrleans.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Louisiana's dynamic landscape.
