BATON ROUGE, La. – Arrest Made in March Shooting on Newcastle Avenue
A disturbing act of violence in Baton Rouge has resulted in the arrest of an 18-year-old man in connection with a shooting that occurred in March. The Baton Rouge Police Department confirmed the arrest of Jerry Huggins, who they say shot a man three times in the 12000 block of Newcastle Avenue, following a confrontation involving the victim and a group of teenagers.
What Happened on Newcastle Avenue
The incident took place in a quiet residential area, where, according to investigators, a father and his 14-year-old daughter were walking to their apartment when they encountered a group of teenagers. Reports state that the group began teasing the girl, prompting the victim to intervene and ask the group to leave the premises.
Authorities said the confrontation escalated into a verbal altercation, during which Jerry Huggins allegedly made threats to shoot both the father and the daughter. Moments later, he reportedly followed through on that threat, opening fire and shooting the man three times before fleeing the scene.
Emergency responders quickly arrived and transported the victim to a nearby hospital. He survived the attack, but the shooting left both him and his daughter traumatized. The girl, though physically unharmed, witnessed the entire event—a detail that underscores the emotional gravity of the incident.
How Police Made the Arrest
According to the Baton Rouge Police Department, the breakthrough in the investigation came thanks to a Crime Stoppers tip, which identified Huggins as a possible suspect. Detectives followed up on the lead and were able to develop evidence tying him to the shooting.
Following a thorough investigation, including witness interviews and forensic analysis, Huggins was arrested without incident. Officials did not specify the exact date of the arrest, but confirmed that he is now in custody and facing multiple charges related to the shooting.
A Community Reacts
The violent nature of the crime—and the fact that a young teen girl was involved and endangered—has left many in the community shaken.
“This is absolutely heartbreaking,” said one neighbor who asked to remain anonymous. “We’ve got families trying to live in peace here, and now a child has to live with the memory of her father being shot in front of her.”
Many are calling for greater youth intervention efforts, noting that Huggins, at just 18 years old, now faces serious prison time for a crime that appears to have stemmed from a needless and avoidable confrontation.
“This didn’t have to happen,” one community leader said. “We have to do better for our young people—before these situations turn violent.”
The Road Ahead
As of now, Huggins is facing serious criminal charges, including:
- Attempted second-degree murder
- Illegal use of a weapon
- Aggravated assault with a firearm
Authorities have not ruled out additional charges pending further investigation. The case is expected to move to the courts soon, where Huggins will be arraigned and potentially face trial.
Meanwhile, the victim continues to recover from his injuries, and his family is receiving support from community members and local organizations.
Ongoing Concern About Gun Violence
This incident is one of many that have spotlighted the escalating issue of youth gun violence in Baton Rouge and across the nation. As city leaders, law enforcement, and nonprofits continue to push for solutions, stories like this serve as stark reminders of how quickly everyday situations can spiral into life-threatening violence.
