Authorities in Louisiana have arrested multiple individuals linked to the Motion Gang, a local group involved in drug trafficking and violent crimes.
“Through the scope of the investigation, LPSO agents learned this is a ‘hybrid gang’ in the Springfield, Hammond, and Ponchatoula areas,” said Sheriff Jason Ard. “Members primarily engage in illegal narcotics distribution and street violence consisting of adults and juveniles. Agents identified multiple members and found a common place for them to hang out and distribute illegal narcotics: Pardue Road in Springfield.”
Key Arrests:
- Ivan Fletcher and Terry Finnely were identified as gang members, along with a juvenile and other suspects yet to be publicly named.
- Fletcher faces five counts of attempted first-degree murder for allegedly firing into a vehicle occupied by five people, including a possible five-month-old infant.
- Finnely was charged as a principal to attempted first-degree murder.
Sheriff Jason Ard described the group as a “hybrid gang” operating in Springfield, Hammond, and Ponchatoula, primarily engaging in narcotics distribution and street violence. Law enforcement agents pinpointed Pardue Road in Springfield as a frequent gathering spot for gang members and drug deals.
On March 24, investigators tracked Fletcher’s movements and requested assistance from Tangipahoa Parish authorities. The suspects were apprehended on Interstate 12 near Hammond.
The Louisiana gang investigation remains ongoing as authorities work to identify additional gang members and dismantle their operations.
Earlier this year, Louisiana Lt. Gov. Billy Nungesser expressed his lack of confidence in New Orleans Mayor LaToya Cantrell’s ability to ensure the city’s safety following a terror attack on Bourbon Street that killed 14 people. In an interview with the Christian Post, Nungesser accused Cantrell of being disengaged from addressing the city’s safety concerns.
When asked if Cantrell could handle the city’s security in the wake of the attack, in which suspect Shamsud Din Jabbar drove a truck into a crowd, Nungesser said, “She just doesn’t care.” He acknowledged some improvements in crime reduction in the French Quarter before the incident but criticized Cantrell’s leadership as inadequate for addressing broader safety challenges.
Nungesser assured residents and tourists that increased law enforcement would be present during major upcoming events like Mardi Gras and the Super Bowl. He highlighted the deployment of federal officials, state police, and additional sheriff’s offices to enhance security. Nungesser commended Louisiana Governor Jeff Landry for assigning state troopers to New Orleans, emphasizing the importance of safeguarding the city’s $1.9 billion tourism industry.
