05/13/2026
Update - Tasker Park Shooting
On April 12, 2026 at approximately 5:00 PM, Ponchatoula Police officers working security at Tasker Park (465 North First Street) requested additional units after hearing gunshots among the large crowd. Two individuals and several vehicles were struck by gunfire during the incident.
Since that time, our detectives have worked tirelessly to identify all individuals responsible for the shooting and the disruption of that day's community events.
Chief Bry Layrisson is proud to announce that the work of the Ponchatoula Police Department’s Patrol and Investigations Divisions led to three subjects being taken into custody for Attempted Second-Degree Murder:
Ricky Eskridge Jr. DOB: 11/15/1996
Jaquan Woolridge DOB: 8/26/2005
Tylen O. Edwards DOB: 3/17/2000
Four additional subjects are currently WANTED for two counts of Attempted Second-Degree Murder with nationwide extradition:
Ramon P. Eskridge DOB: 09/17/2000 (now in custody)
David McDowell Jr. DOB: 1/16/2003 (now in custody)
Raymond McKay III DOB: 10/26/1998
Steve A. Cole DOB: 12/14/1992 (now in custody)
Several of these individuals have prior convictions for violent crimes in Louisiana and other states, and may be armed and dangerous. Anyone assisting them in avoiding arrest will be charged accordingly.
"This case has required numerous hours of investigative work, including the initial crime scene investigation, interviews, and search warrants. Our team obtained evidence linking these seven individuals to the altercation and subsequent shooting that endangered hundreds of innocent people at Tasker Park and disrupted our local festival several blocks away," said Chief Bry Layrisson.
"The remaining suspects will be taken into custody and transported to Tangipahoa Parish for prosecution from anywhere in the United States."
The Ponchatoula Police Department would like to thank Louisiana Probation and Parole, the Tangipahoa Parish Sheriff's Office, and the Hammond Police Department for their assistance during the investigation.
As the investigation continues, anyone with information or video footage around the time of the shooting should contact Ponchatoula Police Department Detective Jimmy McGovern or Detective Collin Lee at (985) 386-6548.
If you'd prefer to share information anonymously, you can do so through Crime Stoppers of Tangipahoa's tip line at 1-800-554-5245 or visit www.tangicrimestoppers.com and click on the P3 Tips icon or Submit A Tip.
You may be eligible for a cash reward up to $5,000
