Task force making a difference at PA’s Louis Manor complex

Published 8:05 pm Friday, November 10, 2017

Edith Lewis said living at Louis Manor apartments has been much better in recent weeks since the Port Arthur Police Department has been patrolling.

Likewise, her neighbor, Albert Wilson, said there’s been a big difference made.

“It’s pretty good,” he said. “You can go outside now and relax.”

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Sgt. Patrick Britton, of the Port Arthur Police Department and site coordinator at the complex, said they are patrolling the Louis Manor apartment complex aggressively, but not with an iron fist.

Britton and PAPD Chief Patrick Melvin gave an update at the regular meeting of the Port Arthur City Council on Tuesday night. A task force was created with federal law enforcement partners in response to two children being shot on Oct. 19 at Louis Manor apartments.

Britton gave a rundown of the week’s activity including the detention and investigation of the possible shooter of the two children. Since then, several trespassing arrests and warnings were issued including warrant violations.

Britton said the task force is getting information from residents at the complex and officers have been a huge deterrent.

“We have rosters of who lives on the complex. They’re issued a trespassing violation and we get rid of them if they don’t live there,” he said.

Thomas Kinlaw III, District 3 councilman, asked when does the curfew start. Britton said when it gets dark.

He then asked if there are enough officers patrolling the complex. Britton said they are making due with what they have in 24-hour a day coverage.

Mayor Derrick Freeman asked about the status of cameras on the complex. Britton said officers have been recording events with their cellphones. One camera on a tower, however, was ripped out.

“There are minimal areas we can’t see though. The cameras also have night vision,” Britton said.

Kaprina Frank, Position 8 councilwoman, asked if officers were getting full participation from the apartment owners. Britton said they were.

“I’m all for us having a safer complex and the owner invest in this to do what they’re supposed to do,” said Harold Doucet Sr., District 4 councilman.

Willie “Bae” Lewis Jr., District 5 councilman, asked if additional federal charges could be brought against perpetrators since the complex receives federal funding. Britton said it would be allowable to have federal prosecution and some federal law enforcement officers are working Louis Manor.

Lewis was concerned about residents who may be evicted from another apartment complex staying at Louis Manor. He added that the Port Arthur Housing Authority should get involved.

“We have to tighten down on this. We have zero tolerance,” Britton said.