MORGAN CITY, La. — A suspected illegal THC transaction in Morgan City escalated into an armed robbery, firearm confrontation, and physical fight, resulting in the arrest of four adults and one juvenile, according to the Morgan City Police Department.
Police were called to the Catherine Street area late on May 12 in response to reports of a large fight involving multiple individuals. Officers detained several people at nearby residences and around a vehicle believed to be connected to the incident.
An investigation by the Morgan City Police Department’s Criminal Investigations Division determined that Jonathan Rodriguez-Perou, 22, of Morgan City, was allegedly attempting to distribute illegal Schedule I narcotics when he was reportedly robbed by Jamari Oneal Tillman of Morgan City.
Investigators say the confrontation escalated when Anthony Joseph Benitez, 22, of Amelia, and Rashon Anthony Jones, 22, of Morgan City, allegedly brandished firearms, placing Rodriguez-Perou in fear for his safety. A physical altercation then broke out involving Rodriguez-Perou, Benitez, and a 15-year-old juvenile.
The following arrests were made:
Jamari Oneal Tillman — Charged with armed robbery, possession of Schedule I controlled dangerous substances, violation of uniform controlled dangerous substances law in a drug-free zone, domestic abuse battery with child endangerment, and two counts of failure to appear for arraignment in 6th Ward Morgan City Court.
Anthony Joseph Benitez — Charged with aggravated assault with a firearm, disturbing the peace, no driver’s license, disturbing the peace by fighting, and two counts of failure to appear for arraignment in 6th Ward Morgan City Court.
Rashon Anthony Jones — Charged with aggravated assault with a firearm.
Jonathan Rodriguez-Perou — Charged with distribution of Schedule I controlled dangerous substances, violation of uniform controlled dangerous substances law in a drug-free zone, and disturbing the peace.
15-year-old juvenile male — Charged with disturbing the peace by fighting.
Authorities say the case underscores the dangers tied to illegal narcotics activity, particularly when weapons and violence become involved. The investigation remains ongoing.
