11:30 Newscast July 25, 2014

Lousiana State Police say a former Baldwin Police officer is under arrest amid allegations he fathered a baby with a 14-year-old girl. Master Trooper Brooks David says they were initially called to investigate 39-year-old Joseph Brent about possible drug dealing in 2013, but they ended up finding more information…

cut 3 (05) “juvenile”

He says they discovered Brent was living with a minor who was allegedly carrying his child. David says the baby was born this month and DNA tests confirmed Brent fathered the child. Charges against Brent include molestation of a juvenile, sexual battery, and malfeasance in office.

Louisiana State Police say an accident involving a motorcycle has killed a Houma man. Their preliminary investigation revealed a GMC Denali was attempting to turn left on Kettle Lane in Thibodaux when a Harley Davidson, driven by 43-year-old Byron Mabry, struck the Denali. Mabry and his passenger, 46-year-old Francis Plotner, were thrown from the motorcycle. Mabry was pronounced dead at the scene. Plotner was taken to a local hospital with severe injuries. Authorities suspect impairment on the part of Mabry.

There is still around three thousand people without power in the Shreveport-Bossier City area as a result of Wednesday’s thunderstorms that knocked down trees and power lines. SWEPCO spokesperson Scott McCloud says they’ve brought in utility crews from surrounding states to get the power back on…

cut 13 (14) “safely as possible”

The storm took out power across other SWEPCO served states as well, with the Shreveport-Bossier area being hardest hit.

LSU AgCenter researchers continue to look at ways to combat the feral hog populations throughout the state. They are beginning to look at baits containing sodium nitrite, which is effective in taking the oxygen out of the hog’s blood causing death. Animal Science researcher Glen Gentry says the first step is to find an effective dose of the chemical to eliminate the animal…

cut 10 (10) “with these hogs”

He says they are also testing flavors that are attractive to the hogs and a delivery system that specifically targets the animal. Gentry thinks it will be about four years before there is a product the public will be able to use.

State Police report a single vehicle crash has claimed the life of a Pineville man who was not wearing a seat belt. Authorities say 41-year-old Todd Fogleman was driving his truck on Highway 1 near the Poland community when he lost control of the vehicle and entered a ditch colliding with a driveway embankment and overturning.