TPSO Reports Strawberry Festival Security Activity

PONCHATOULA (April 13, 2026)- For another year, the Tangipahoa Parish Sheriff’s Office (TPSO) has concluded a request from the Ponchatoula Police Department to conduct security patrols at the Strawberry Festival.

Following three days of assigned patrols by foot, air, and horseback, TPSO deputies, accompanied by deputies from Iberville, St. John, Livingston, Washington and Pike County (MS) sheriff’s offices, as well as Louisiana State Police and Hammond Police, report the following enforcement activities:

·       19 arrests (2 juveniles)

·       12 guns confiscated

·       Drugs and paraphernalia recovered

This activity, focused primarily inside and on the perimeter of Memorial Park, was a result of proactive enforcement efforts throughout the event including random bag checks.

“The rules for festival attendance have never changed, but this year, those rules, including no weapons, were widely publicized,” said Sheriff Gerald Sticker, “There is no need for anyone to have weapons or illegal drugs at a family event like the Strawberry Festival, but Louisiana laws make it clear neither are allowed in that environment, regardless.”

The TPSO wants to thank our law enforcement partners for their support, but we also want to thank the public who respected the rules of the event and the work of law enforcement to ensure safety for all attendees.

TPSO Public Information Office, pio@tpso.org‍