The Shreveport Police Department continues to proactively remove firearms from the hands of individuals who are legally prohibited from possessing them. This strategy remains a key part of our ongoing effort to reduce violent crime and protect our community.
On May 6, around 9 p.m., officers arrested Ryan Merritt after he was found in possession of a firearm. Further investigation revealed Merritt had prior convictions involving narcotics distribution and firearm-related offenses. He has been charged with Possession of a Firearm by a Convicted Felon.
That same evening, just after 8 p.m., officers arrested Joseph Douglas after he was also found in possession of a firearm. Investigators determined Douglas was prohibited from possessing a firearm due to prior convictions, including second-degree rape and illegal possession of stolen firearms. He was also charged with Possession of a Firearm by a Convicted Felon.
Officers were not done there.
On May 17, around 5 p.m., officers arrested Brandon Styles for Burglary of an Inhabited Dwelling. During the arrest, Styles resisted officers and was found to be armed with a firearm. Further investigation revealed the firearm had an obliterated serial number, making it illegal to possess. Styles also had outstanding warrants for prior theft and resisting an officer cases. He also has two pending firearm-related cases from an unrelated incident.
These arrests are another example of the Shreveport Police Department’s continued commitment to holding repeat offenders accountable and removing illegal firearms from our streets.