Franklin Man Arrested in Connection with Investigation of Suspicious Device in Centerville

Javier Castro Jr., 34, Franklin, LA, was arrested on Monday, September 19, 2022, at 8:55 am for aggravated assault with a firearm.

St. Mary Parish Sheriff’s deputies were dispatched to a residence on Chandra Lane in Centerville in reference to a male who was armed and threatening to shoot a woman. Deputies responded to the residence and made contact with the man, identified as Castro, who was attempting to leave in a pickup truck.

During the investigation, a handgun was found, and Castro was transported to the St. Mary Parish Law Enforcement Center for booking. Bail has not been set at this time.

Detectives obtained and executed a search warrant at the residence. Subsequently, a possible explosive device that had the appearance of a hand grenade was found. Public safety protocols were implemented, and the U.S. Army dispatched an Explosive Ordinance Disposal team to the location.

Upon arrival, the U.S. Army EOD team x-rayed the device and found the fuse to be inoperable and the device to contain no explosive contents. The device was removed without incident.

The St. Mary Parish Sheriff’s Office said in a statement, “Detectives would to thank the Franklin Fire Department, Centerville Fire Department, Berwick Police Department, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, and the U.S. Army Explosive Ordinance Disposal for their assistance. ”