ADDIS, La. — A man was arrested and charged Tuesday night, Oct. 6, after reportedly firing a shot that struck a vehicle occupied by high school students participating in a homecoming prank. Josiah Arrington faces an aggravated assault with a firearm charge following the incident at the Riverboat Trailer Park.
According to the police chief, the teenagers mistakenly approached Arrington’s residence, believing it belonged to a friend, as part of their homecoming festivities. The chief stated Arrington emerged from his home, yelled at the students, and then fired a shot that hit their vehicle as they attempted to drive away. However, Arrington maintains that the situation unfolded differently before he pulled the trigger.
Arrington explained that he was preparing to go outside when he encountered two or three individuals dressed in all black and wearing masks near his porch. He told authorities he did not know who they were or why they were on his property. Arrington recounted repeatedly yelling, "What are you doing in my yard?" As he moved toward the road, he claims the individuals entered their vehicle and accelerated toward him, forcing him to jump out of the way. Arrington stated he then fired a single shot, intending it as a warning and not to injure anyone or strike the vehicle, and said he was unaware the bullet had hit the car.
He emphasized that he feared for his safety and did not realize the people outside his home were teenagers, citing the darkness, their clothing, and masks as factors preventing identification. Arrington insisted he would never intentionally harm children, noting his own daughter recently graduated high school and he has young children in his life. He expressed regret over the incident and offered an apology to the teenagers and their families, acknowledging the potentially traumatic experience.
Despite Arrington’s explanation, the police chief's account differs regarding the vehicle's movement, with the chief describing the teenagers as trying to flee when Arrington fired. The chief did not mention the vehicle driving toward Arrington.
This incident comes amid a pattern of escalating homecoming pranks in the area, according to the police chief. What traditionally began as students toilet-papering friends' homes has in some instances escalated to significant property damage. The chief reported that students have been wearing masks and all-black attire to disguise themselves, which he advises against. Police have received reports of students throwing substances like ketchup, mustard, and barbecue sauce on vehicles, garage doors, and concrete, as well as using paintball guns, causing damage to homes.
One day prior to the shooting, on Monday night, the chief issued a warning to students to cease damaging property and urged parents to monitor their children's activities. While acknowledging that not all students engaging in homecoming traditions are causing problems, the chief stressed that some have taken things too far. He also advised homeowners to understand laws pertaining to firearm use, underscoring that individuals fleeing a property does not, by itself, justify firing shots at them. The chief expressed gratitude that no one was injured in Tuesday's incident, and implored residents not to fire shots at children, especially if they are attempting to leave. He encouraged parents to remain informed about their children's whereabouts and activities to prevent homecoming traditions from resulting in trauma.