BAYOU VISTA
BAYOU VISTA, La. — Three men are in custody following an armed robbery, vehicle pursuit and search that temporarily placed a local elementary school on lockdown Wednesday night, according to the St. Mary Parish Sheriff’s Office.
Sheriff Gary Driskell said the incident began on September 2, 2026, after Morgan City Police responded to a reported armed robbery in the parking lot of the Siracusa Recreation Department. Authorities said a victim was allegedly robbed at gunpoint.
Morgan City Police initiated a pursuit of a vehicle believed to be occupied by three suspects. The pursuit continued into Bayou Vista, where the driver reportedly crashed into a mailbox on Middle Road. All three occupants then allegedly fled on foot into a nearby residential area and sugarcane field.
As officers searched the area, School Resource Officers placed a nearby elementary school on lockdown as a precaution. Deputies with the St. Mary Parish Sheriff’s Office joined officers from Morgan City Police, Berwick Police and the Morgan City Marshal’s Office in the search.
Authorities said all three suspects were located and taken into custody a short time later.
Johnathan Decal Gray, 20, of Morgan City, was booked on charges of armed robbery, illegal possession of a firearm, resisting an officer and probation violation.
James Vincent Howell II, 21, of Morgan City, was booked on charges of armed robbery, illegal possession of a firearm, resisting an officer, simple and aggravated escape, and probation violation.
Keon Ameud Carbin, 22, of Berwick, was booked on charges of armed robbery, illegal possession of a firearm, criminal trespass, resisting an officer, possession of Schedule I drugs, introduction of contraband into a penal institution and probation violation.
The three were transported to the St. Mary Parish Law Enforcement Center for questioning and booking. Bail had not been set at the time of the sheriff’s office release.
Sheriff Driskell credited consistent training and cooperation among local law enforcement agencies for helping bring the situation under control quickly.
The St. Mary Parish Sheriff’s Office thanked the Morgan City Police Department, Berwick Police Department, Morgan City Marshal’s Office and members of the public for their assistance during the incident.
