N.D. students investigated after Saturday fight in Jeff Davis Parish

A homecoming after-party Saturday in Jennings ended with several juveniles hospitalized after a fight erupted involving a number of students from Acadia Parish.

According to investigators from the Jefferson Davis Parish Sheriff’s Office, there were also allegations of underage drinking and drug abuse at the party.

Sheriff Ivy Woods said deputies were still interviewing witnesses Wednesday afternoon.

“We know there were several fights involved,” Woods said. “There are rumors of weapons being used but we don’t have any official statements to that effect yet. We do know that one girl was maced — she gave a statement.”

Woods said several Notre Dame High School students and “one or two N.D. grads” were involved in the altercations.

Sheriff’s officials in Jeff Davis Parish have reported that the party was hosted at a residence north of Jennings on Bryan Road.

District Attorney Mike Cassidy said Tuesday afternoon that sheriff’s deputies were interviewing a number of witnesses, including both students and parents.

JDSO Criminal Investigation Division Commander Chris Ivey confirmed Wednesday that interviews are still being conducted.

“We haven’t identified all the people that were there yet,” Ivey said. “People we’ve talked to said there were people there they didn’t know.”

Ivey said one witness has reported seeing a weapon brandished during one of the fights, “but we haven’t found any evidence of a shot being fired.”

At least three people were hospitalized, according to Ivey, one with a broken arm and one with a head injury “that looks like it could have been from a pipe or a bottle.”

Ivey also said a truck at the site had been damaged. 

“It looks like it was beat with a bat or a pipe,” he added.

Ivey said the investigation is continuing.

Lewis Cook, administrator at Notre Dame, confirmed that “a handful” of N.D. students “got caught up in a bad situation.”

He said no disciplinary action has been taken by the school since the altercation did not occur at a school-sponsored function.

However, Cook said disciplinary action has been taken against five members of the Pio football team for violating team policy.

“Two of them were hurt and wouldn’t be able to play anyway, but the other three have been suspended,” Cook said.

For now, “We’re just waiting to see what happens. I, personally, haven’t been contacted by any law enforcement. I know they’re still investigating in Jeff Davis Parish.”