Drive-by case nets another arrest

A Houma man who was the intended target of a drive-by shooting in October, has been arrested in connection with a shooting that occurred earlier that same day in Mechanicville.

As a result of the investigation, authorities also recovered illegal drugs and firearms.

Terrebonne Sheriff Jerry Larpenter said Kentreal Lyons, 30, was booked into the Terrebonne Parish Criminal Justice Complex on Wednesday on charges of being a principal to attempted second-degree murder; obstruction of justice; aggravated assault, possession with intent to distribute heroin; possession of crack cocaine; possession of a firearm with a controlled dangerous substance and possession of drug paraphernalia.

Authorities started their investigation after an October 7 report of a drive-by shooting on Westwood Drive in the Village East subdivision during which property was damaged but no one was hurt.

Further investigation resulted in identification of a suspect, 31-year-old Mervin “B.J.” Jackson, who was arrested and charged with attempted murder and other crimes. Detectives learned that earlier on Oct. 7 Jackson had been shot and wounded in a separate incident on Ashlawn Drive in Mechanicville. The gunman was identified as Quincey Cantrell McKinley, who is currently in custody. Lyons, investigation revealed, was with McKinley when the shooting of Jackson occurred. This is why Lyons is charged with being a principal to attempted murder. The Village East drive-by was determined to have been in retaliation for the shooting of Jackson.

During their attempt to execute the warrant for Lyons, detectives recovered illegal drugs and weapons. The obstruction charge relates to false statements Lyons made concerning the Village East drive-by. He remains jailed in lieu of $710,500. This investigation is continuing, and anyone with information on these cases is asked to call the Terrebonne Parish Sheriff’s Office at 876-2500 or Bayou Region Crime Stoppers at 1-800-743-7433. Information provided anonymously to Crime Stoppers may result in a cash reward.