Police Report

The Rayville Police Department made the following arrests for the week of March 1-7.

• Richard Byrd, 24, 451 Crew Lake Loop, Start; simple possession of marijuana.

• Joe Fortenberry, 27, 128 Mossy Oak, Winnsboro; simple possession of marijuana.

• Lorenzo Slack, 22, 107 Blackmon St., Rayville; no driver’s license and leaving the scene of an accident.

• William Johnson, 42, 316 Russell St., Appt. 29, Rayville; battery.

• Joshua Thompson, 20, 319 Hwy. 135 Rayville; disturbing the peace (general) and two counts of failure to appear on criminal trespassing.

• Paris Wilson, 23, 438 Dacron St., Rayville; disturbing the peace by fighting.

• Joseph Smith, 31, 438 Dacron St., Rayville; disturbing the peace by fighting.

• Marcel Smith, 29, 334 Hwy. 584 Burk Road, Rayville; theft greater than $300 and less than $500.

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The Rayville Police Department issued one citation for running a red light this week.

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Rayville Police Chief Willie Robinson is concerned about issues that concern the citizens of Rayville.

“As you know, one of our goals is to make Rayville a safe place for all residents – this includes our children,” he said. “As the weather continues to get warmer with spring approaching, the children will be spending more and more time outdoors. I am asking that the parents, grandparents or other guardians help safeguard our children.

“There are a number of ways in which you can do this. First, you can talk to your children about the need to be safe outdoors – teach them to look both ways carefully before crossing the street or before retrieving a toy that has rolled into the street; talk to them about the importance of being wary of strangers who may approach them; create a family plan for fires, injuries or other emergency situations and train your children to follow that plan.

“Second, as the parent, it is your responsibility that your children have a safe environment for playing. If at all possible, fence in a yard for them to play in.

“At the very least, never set up basketball goals or any other sports/play equipment in or near a roadway. Children will run out into the road to retrieve a ball without regard to traffic. I cannot stress enough the importance of this issue. Remember: it is better to be safe than to be sorry.

“As always, I would like to remind you that my office has an open door policy. If you are having a conflict with someone, bring it to our attention -- don’t take matters into your own hands. Let us help you solve the problems. If we can be of asssitance to you in any way, please contact the Rayville Police Department at 728-4431 or come to 900 Harrison St., and speak with an officer.”