Airline Highway Fight Turns Deadly
- Deputies responded to a shooting on Airline Highway in Baton Rouge on May 30 after a planned fistfight escalated, leaving one man injured. - The incident involved multiple participants in a crowd that turned chaotic, with guns drawn amid the brawl, according to the Ascension Parish Sheriff's Office. - The shooting highlights a surge in violence from arranged fights advertised on social media, as local authorities increase patrols.
A shooting on Airline Highway in Baton Rouge on Friday night left one man injured after a crowd gathered for what was supposed to be a filmed fistfight, authorities said. Deputies with the Ascension Parish Sheriff's Office arrived around 9 p.m. to find chaos, with dozens of people involved and gunfire exchanged. One adult male suffered a non-life-threatening gunshot wound and was hospitalized, while dozens of vehicles and motorcycles sped off. ### What started the incident? Derontray Anderson, 27, and another man had planned a one-on-one fistfight on Airline Highway, live-streaming it on social media to draw a crowd of 30 to 50 people, witnesses and officials told local media. The brawl began as intended but exploded when someone pulled a gun, firing into the group. Deputies found shell casings and broke up the scene, arresting Anderson on charges including an outstanding warrant. ### Who were the participants? Derontray Anderson and his opponent were the main fighters, but the crowd of onlookers included friends and others from the live streams hyping the event on Facebook, according to responding deputies. No other arrests were immediately made beyond Anderson, though investigators are reviewing video footage for additional suspects. The Sheriff's Office noted the participants scattered, complicating identification. ### What did officials say? Sheriff Bobby Weeland described the scene as "chaotic" with "a large crowd that quickly dispersed," emphasizing that such events often lead to unintended shootings, per his statement. "These fights advertised online draw crowds that turn dangerous with firearms," Weeland said, urging the public to submit tips. Deputies canvassed the area of Airline Highway near Goodwood Boulevard post-midnight. ### How does this fit local trends? Baton Rouge has seen multiple arranged fights escalate this year, including a February shooting at a similar event and viral videos leading to arrests, locals and police report. Neighborhoods complain of reckless driving and noise from these gatherings, often tied to disputes resolved "street-style." Weeland said his office is "monitoring social media" to prevent repeats. ### What happened after? The injured man received treatment at a local hospital, with no fatalities, and Anderson remained in custody Saturday on charges including failure to appear. The Sheriff's Office continues investigating via videos, asking for information at 225-621-8300. Community leaders call for more patrols on streets like Airline Highway to curb the trend before more injuries. ```
