Deveion Lafitte

SHREVEPORT, La. — A man was arrested early Sunday after Shreveport police said officers found him carrying a concealed firearm outside a downtown business that serves alcohol.

According to the Shreveport Police Department, officers assigned to the Downtown Unit were conducting foot patrol in the 400 block of Commerce Street at about 1:20 a.m. when they observed a man smoking what appeared to be a marijuana cigarette near the entrance of Gigi's Martini Room.

Police said officers made contact with the man and began an investigation after detecting the odor of marijuana.

During the encounter, officers learned the man, identified as Deveion Lafitte, was carrying a firearm concealed in his waistband.

Investigators recovered an unholstered Glock 23 .40-caliber handgun equipped with a 29-round extended magazine. The firearm contained 25 rounds of ammunition, according to police.

Police said Lafitte told officers he had been inside the business earlier and got the firearm from his vehicle after leaving.

Following the investigation, officers determined Lafitte was carrying a concealed firearm while at a business that sells alcohol and was allegedly carrying the weapon in a negligent manner.

Lafitte was arrested and charged with negligent carrying of a concealed handgun and possession of a firearm on the premises of an alcoholic beverage outlet.

The firearm, magazine and ammunition were seized as evidence.

Shreveport Police Chief Wayne Smith praised the Downtown Unit's efforts, saying proactive foot patrols and officer initiative continue to help remove illegal weapons and prevent potentially dangerous situations.