Covington Police Department

🚨 Motorized Bike & Scooter Safety Reminder 🚨

We are seeing more reports of juveniles riding e-bikes, electric scooters, and other motorized bikes through neighborhoods, on sidewalks, and in traffic.

Please understand these are not all the same. The rules can change depending on whether it has pedals or no pedals, whether it is gas or electric, how fast it goes, how it is built, and whether it is actually street legal.

Just because it is electric does not automatically mean it is legal to ride on public streets.

The main issue is not kids simply riding bikes. The issue is dangerous behavior being reported, including:

• Wheelies and stunts in the roadway
• Riding against traffic
• Running stop signs and traffic lights
• Cutting between vehicles
• Riding on sidewalks
• Impeding traffic
• Young children riding unsupervised near traffic

This is dangerous for the rider, drivers, and pedestrians.

Before allowing a child to ride one of these bikes or scooters on or near public roadways, parents and guardians should check whether it is street legal and where it can legally be operated. Public streets, sidewalks, and traffic are not the place for stunts, racing, or unsupervised riding.

To help educate young riders and families, the Covington Police Department will host an E-Bike & E-Scooter Safety Course on July 31, 2026, from 2 PM to 4 PM at the Covington Police Department Training Room, 609 N. Columbia Street.

Ages 7-18 are encouraged to attend. Please bring a helmet.

Sign up here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/covington-pds-e-bicycle-e-scooter-safety-course-for-kids-tickets-1989310278594?aff=oddtdtcreator

Ride safe. Follow the law. Help us keep our neighborhoods safe.

🚧 TRAFFIC ALERT – ROADWAY CHANGES & TEMPORARY CLOSURES 🚧

We would like to make residents, visitors, and commuters aware of upcoming roadway changes associated with ongoing construction activities near the St. Tammany Parish Hospital (1202 S Tyler St, Covington, LA) area.

🔹 South Tyler Street (Hwy. 21) Turning Lane Closure
Beginning Friday, June 5, 2026, at 7:00 AM, the right-turn lane on South Tyler Street (Hwy. 21) will be closed due to construction. This closure is expected to remain in place for approximately six months.

To assist motorists with the transition and help maintain traffic flow, Covington Police officers will be stationed south of the closure during weekday hours from 7:00 AM to 5:00 PM for the first week following the traffic pattern change.

🔹 West 11th Avenue Temporary Road Closure
On Saturday, June 6, 2026, a large crane will be relocated to hospital property. To safely facilitate this move, West 11th Avenue will be closed between South Tyler Street and South Harrison Avenue from 7:00 AM until approximately 12:00 PM (noon).

Covington Police officers will be on site to assist with traffic control and direct motorists around the affected area.

⚠️ What You Need to Know
• Expect some delays in and around the South Tyler Street and West 11th Avenue corridor.
• Consider using alternate routes when possible.
• Please follow all posted signage and directions from law enforcement personnel.
• Allow additional travel time if your route takes you through this area.

We appreciate the community’s patience and cooperation as these improvements and construction activities continue. Our goal is to ensure the safety of motorists, pedestrians, construction personnel, and emergency responders while minimizing disruptions as much as possible.

Planning a summer trip? Before you pack the car and hit the road, add one more thing to your checklist.

Covington residents within city limits can request a Vacation Watch through CPD so officers can provide extra patrols around their home while they are away.

It is a simple way to help protect your property and enjoy your time away with a little more peace of mind.

Request a Vacation Watch here: covla.com/vacation-watch

The Covington Police Department will be conducting training today and tomorrow at St. Peter Catholic School.

Residents and anyone in the area may notice an increased police presence on campus during this time. This is for training purposes only, and there is no cause for alarm.

We appreciate the community’s understanding and support as our officers continue training to better serve Covington.

CPD'S ICAC UNIT, SPECIAL RESPONSE TEAM, AND 22ND JDC DA'S OFFICE SPECIAL VICTIMS UNIT TASK FORCE ARREST 22 INDIVIDUALS IN CHILD PREDATOR OPERATION

The Covington Police Department's Criminal Investigation Division, through its Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) Unit, in conjunction with the CPD Special Response Team, the 22nd Judicial District Attorney's Office Special Victims Unit Task Force, and the Office of the Louisiana Attorney General, has arrested 22 individuals since January 2026 who were attempting to meet with children for s*xual purposes.

The operation, which remains ongoing, targeted individuals who used computers and social media platforms to solicit, to groom, and exploit minors. Those arrested ranged in age from 20 to 69 years old and came from across Louisiana and Mississippi. One of those arrested was a registered s*x offender at the time of his arrest. The 22 individuals arrested and charged are:

1. Adrien Arabie, 31, Ball, LA: Indecent Behavior with Juveniles, Computer Aided Solicitation of a Minor, Child Grooming

2. Ralph Seibel, 58, Slidell, LA: Computer Aided Solicitation of a Minor, Child Grooming

3. James Granier, 41, Loranger, LA: Computer Aided Solicitation of a Minor, Indecent Behavior with Juveniles, Attempted Production/Possession of Po*******hy Involving Juveniles, Resisting an Officer

4. Waylon Byers, 38, Madisonville, LA: Indecent Behavior with Juveniles, Attempted Production/Possession of Po*******hy Involving Juveniles, Computer Aided Solicitation of a Minor

5. Emanuel Hill, 20, Covington, LA: Indecent Behavior with Juveniles, Computer Aided Solicitation of a Minor

6. Lewis Peacock, 47, Covington, LA: Indecent Behavior with Juveniles, Computer Aided Solicitation of a Minor, Child Grooming

7. Chace Cullen, 41, Baton Rouge, LA: Indecent Behavior with Juveniles, Computer Aided Solicitation of a Minor, Attempted Production/Possession of Po*******hy Involving Juveniles

8. Taylor Tassin, 30, Folsom, LA: 14 Counts of Po*******hy Involving Children Under the Age of 13, Po*******hy Involving Juveniles

9. Joseph Bowen, 25, Slidell, LA: Indecent Behavior with Juveniles, Computer Aided Solicitation of a Minor

10. Raymond Keitt, 45, Covington, LA: Indecent Behavior with Juveniles, Indecent Behavior with Juveniles/Child Grooming, Computer Aided Solicitation of a Minor

11. Jakoby Pettway, 25, New Orleans, LA: Indecent Behavior with Juveniles, Attempted Production/Possession of Child Sexual Abuse Material, Computer Aided Solicitation of a Minor

12. Joseph Amacker, 38, Pass Christian, MS: Indecent Behavior with Juveniles/Child Grooming

13. Jhameil Chambers, 30, Harvey, LA: 2 Counts each of Indecent Behavior with Juveniles, Indecent Behavior with Juveniles/Child Grooming, Attempted Production/Possession of Child Sexual Abuse Material, Computer Aided Solicitation of a Minor

14. Adam Wichers, 41, Diamondhead, MS: Indecent Behavior with Juveniles, Indecent Behavior with Juveniles/Child Grooming, Computer Aided Solicitation of a Minor

15. Joshua Stankey, 31, Ponchatoula, LA: Indecent Behavior with Juveniles, Indecent Behavior with Juveniles/Child Grooming, Computer Aided Solicitation of a Minor

16. James Howard, 30, Hattiesburg, MS: 3 Counts each of Indecent Behavior with Juveniles, Indecent Behavior with Juveniles/Child Grooming, Attempted Production/Possession of Child Sexual Abuse Material, Computer Aided Solicitation of a Minor

17. Andrew Thibodeaux, 34, Lafayette, LA: Indecent Behavior with Juveniles, Indecent Behavior with Juveniles/Child Grooming, Attempted Production/Possession of Child Sexual Abuse Material, Computer Aided Solicitation of a Minor

18. Spencer Walker, 44, Livingston, LA: Indecent Behavior with Juveniles, Indecent Behavior with Juveniles/Child Grooming, Attempted Production/Possession of Child Sexual Abuse Material, Computer Aided Solicitation of a Minor, Unlawful Use or Access of Social Media

19. Joseph DiBenedetto, 69, Tickfaw, LA: Indecent Behavior with Juveniles, Computer Aided Solicitation of a Minor

20. Gabriel Aysen, 22, Covington, LA: Indecent Behavior with Juveniles, Indecent Behavior with Juveniles/Child Grooming, Computer Aided Solicitation of a Minor

21. Kolt Alan Johnson, 26, Amite, LA: Indecent Behavior with a Juvenile, Indecent Behavior with a Juvenile/Child Grooming, Computer Aided Solicitation of a Minor

22. Dustin Fernandez, 35, Covington, LA: Indecent Behavior with a Juvenile, Indecent Behavior with a Juvenile/Child Grooming, Computer Aided Solicitation of a Minor, Attempted Production/Possession of Child Sexual Abuse Material

The Covington Police Department and the 22nd Judicial District Attorney's Office Special Victims Unit Task Force would like to express sincere gratitude to the following agencies whose partnership and support were instrumental in making these arrests possible:

• Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI)
• Homeland Security Investigations (HSI)
• United States Secret Service
• Washington Parish Sheriff's Office
• Franklinton Police Department
• Slidell Police Department
• Office of the Louisiana Attorney General

Chief of Police Michael Ferrell had this to say about the operation:
"These arrests are a direct result of the dedication and relentless work of our ICAC investigators, Special Response Team, and our partners at the 22nd JDC District Attorney's Office Special Victims Unit Task Force. Protecting the children of our community is not just a priority for this department, it is a promise. Anyone who thinks they can use the internet as a tool to prey on children in or around Covington will find out quickly that we are watching, and we will come for you. We are not done."

A criminal charge is an accusation. All individuals are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law.

TRAFFIC ADVISORY: HOUSE MOVE RESCHEDULED

The Covington Police Department would like to inform residents and motorists that crews will attempt to move the home again on Sunday, May 31, 2026, beginning at approximately 7:00 AM.

The move will begin at 430 N. Florida St. and end at 919 W. 32nd St.

Planned Route:

430 N. Florida St.
Left onto E. Lockwood St.
Right onto N. New Hampshire St.
Continue straight to N. Theard St.
Left onto N. Columbia St.
Left onto N. Tyler St.
Right onto W. 32nd St.
Arrive at 919 W. 32nd St.

Residents are asked not to park along the route to allow crews enough room to safely move the home.

Motorists should expect temporary delays and are encouraged to use alternate routes when possible. Please use caution in the area and follow the direction of officers and traffic personnel.

Thank you for your patience and cooperation.

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UPDATE: HOUSE MOVE POSTPONED

The house move scheduled for this morning has been postponed due to mechanical issues.

At this time, there will be no traffic delays related to the move. The Covington Police Department will provide an update once a new date and time have been confirmed.

Thank you for your patience and understanding.
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The Covington Police Department would like to make residents aware that a house will be moved through the city this morning, beginning at approximately 9:00 AM.

The move will begin at 430 N. Florida St. and proceed as follows:

Leave N. Florida St.
Left onto E. Lockwood St.
Right onto N. New Hampshire St.
Continue straight to N. Theard St.
Left onto N. Columbia St.
Left onto N. Tyler St.
Right onto W. 32nd St.
Arrive at 919 W. 32nd St.

Please do not park along the route. Motorists should expect temporary traffic delays and are encouraged to use alternate routes when possible.

Please use caution in the area and follow the direction of the officers assisting with the move.

Thank you for your patience and cooperation.

• Out of an abundance of caution, a Boil Water Advisory has been issued from 8th Avenue through Old Landing.

• City crews are continuing to investigate the cause of the water main break at 8th Street and S. Adams.

• At this time, the exact cause of the split has not been determined.

• Water samples will be submitted to the State Lab in Amite tomorrow for testing and analysis.

• Residents in the affected area are advised to boil water before consumption until further notice.

Two E.E. Lyon Elementary School Administrators Charged Under Louisiana Mandatory Reporting Law

COVINGTON, LA — The Covington Police Department has filed criminal charges against two administrators of E.E. Lyon Elementary School in connection with alleged failures to comply with Louisiana's mandatory reporting law. Tanya Barth, the Assistant Principal of E.E. Lyon Elementary, and Lauryn Faciane, the Principal of E.E. Lyon Elementary have each been charged under La. R.S. 14:403.

That statute requires designated individuals, including school administrators, to promptly report suspected abuse, neglect, and certain other incidents involving children to law enforcement or appropriate authorities.

The charges follow an investigation conducted by the Department's Criminal Investigations Division. The investigation included numerous interviews and a review of the available evidence.

In the interest of protecting the children involved, and consistent with applicable law, the Department will not be releasing details regarding the underlying incidents that gave rise to the charges.

The Department has made appropriate parallel notifications to the Louisiana Department of Children and Family Services, the Louisiana Department of Education, and the Louisiana Board of Elementary and Secondary Education.

The Department extends its sincere thanks to all those who cooperated with this investigation. Anyone with information relevant to this matter, or to any other matter involving the safety of children in our community, is encouraged to contact the Covington Police Department's Criminal Investigations Division at 985-892-8500.

This case remains an active matter. Beyond the information set forth in this release, the Department is not in a position to provide further comment at this time. Additional information will be provided through appropriate channels as the case progresses.

A criminal charge is an accusation. All individuals are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law.

Media Contact: Deputy Chief of Police Kevin Collins ([email protected])Covington Police Department

This Memorial Day, we pause to remember the men and women who gave their lives in service to our country.

Behind every name on a memorial wall is a family that received the hardest news imaginable. A parent who lost a child. A spouse who lost their partner. Kids who grew up with stories instead of memories. Their sacrifice is the reason we get to spend today with the people we love.

If you're firing up the grill, heading to the lake, or just enjoying a quiet day off, we hope you take a moment to think about who made it possible. Visit a cemetery. Fly your flag. Tell your kids what the day actually means.

To the Gold Star families in our community: we see you, today and every day. Thank you for the loved ones you gave.

What an afternoon! Officers from the Covington Police Department, alongside our brothers and sisters from the Covington Fire Department and the Louisiana State Police, hit the pavement together to carry the Flame of Hope for the 2026 Special Olympics Torch Run.

This year was extra special. For the very first time, the run kicked off right here at Covington Police Department Headquarters and ended at the Special Olympics Louisiana Headquarters in Covington. Seeing the torch travel through our streets was something none of us will forget.

The Torch Run isn't just a run. It's a promise to the incredible athletes of Special Olympics that we're in their corner, today and every day. Every step represents the courage, determination, and heart these athletes show us all year long.

Big thank you Nutrishop for providing our runners with the proper post run hydration drinks for them to recover!

To our Special Olympics athletes, you inspire us. Keep shining.