Troop B & St. John the Baptist Parish Sheriff’s Office

NEWS RELEASE
For Immediate Release

 Armed LaPlace Man Arrested at DSNAP Location

 On Tuesday, Sept 11, 2012, shortly before 8:00 PM, Louisiana State Police troopers, St. John the Baptist Parish Sheriff’s deputies and members of the Louisiana National Guard were assigned to security at the DSNAP (Disaster Supplement Nutrition Assistance Program) location in St. John the Baptist Parish, 1929 West Airline Highway, LaPlace, LA. A claims processor alerted law enforcement to a male subject who became irate when his claim was denied. The subject was observed going to his vehicle and retrieving an object. Law enforcement personnel quickly responded and subdued the subject who was in possession of a fully loaded AR-15 assault rifle. Officers disarmed the subject and placed him under arrest. Another handgun and numerous loaded ammunition magazines were located.

 The subject was identified as Mark Knight (W/M, age 46) of LaPlace, LA and he was booked into the St. John the Baptist Parish Correctional Center on charges of Aggravated Assault and Terrorizing. Louisiana State Police Bureau of Investigations and detectives from St. John the Baptist Parish Sheriff’s Office are conducting an investigation and further charges may be forthcoming. Bond is currently set at $20,000.00

“This is a great example of the rapid and overwhelming response possible when law enforcement agencies partner together,” said Colonel Mike Edmonson, State Police Superintendent. “This situation could have had a different outcome but, an observant state employee alerted the proper personnel and immediate action was taken to alleviate the threat to public safety. I am proud of the troopers, deputies and guardsmen that put their lives on the line and continue to do so everyday.”

Contact Information:

TFC Melissa Matey
Public Affairs Unit
Louisiana State Police – Troop B
Office: (504) 471-2780
melissa.matey@dps.la.gov
www.LSP.org