Winnfield Police Dept

10/06/2026

On October 1st, Winnfield Police Officers responded to a report of a gunshot victim at the Winn Parish Medical Center Emergency Room. The victim was identified as Michael Foster, age 35, of Winnfield. He reported that he had been struck in the head with a handgun, then shot in the arm. This occurred in the open field between Hodges and Halsey Streets. Foster identified his assailant.
Officers were able to find and process the crime scene. They then began a hunt for the suspect which led to the search of many abandoned houses in the area. The suspect was believed to be homeless and moved around a lot. He had left the scene on a bicycle. The bike was located at a house on Lucky Avenue. Believing the suspect was inside the house, officers from other agencies were called to assist in surrounding and securing the house. After several attempts to communicate with the suspect, entry was made only to discover that he was no longer there.
The hunt continued into the night with officers searching many abandoned houses based upon information that was provided by citizens. In the early morning hours, officers responded to a citizen’s report of noise coming from and abandoned house next to his located on South Jones Street. Officers made entry and located the suspect who was taken into custody without incident.
Andrew Smith, age 43, of Winnfield was booked into the Winnfield City Jail charged with trespassing, criminal damage to property, possession of a weapon by convicted felon, aggravated battery, and aggravated second degree battery. Foster was transferred to another medical facility and is still hospitalized listed in stable condition.
Chief Johnny Ray Carpenter extends his appreciation to the Winn Parish Sheriff’s Office, the Louisiana State Police, and especially to those citizens that were providing reports to this department that eventually led to the capture of Smith without further danger to the community.

12/20/2025

12/17/2025

Winnfield, LA—The 19th Annual Shop with a Cop was considered a total success on Saturday. Even the weather, though warm, cooperated.. A community became participants in providing a Christmas for a number of children. This year totaled 55, not as many due to some unplanned issues.
The kids were assisted in their shopping by representatives from the police department which includes officers, 911 operators, jailers and secretaries. Also seen shopping was Mayor Hamm and Walmart associates. While Santa and Mrs. Clause were present for the entire day, there were some special visitors prior to the parade: a Christmas Tree, a Gingerbread Man, and of course, the
Grinch. Children, families and volunteers met at the Police Station where the children were allowed to ride special service vehicles and police cars followed by parents and friends in their cars which made for a parade that stretched for about 2 miles. There was plenty of noise to welcome the Christmas season as sirens wailed throughout the parade.
This event is only made possible through donations by businesses, private citizens, and the annual Boot Drive that was conducted by the police department along with volunteers from Mount Grace. Chief Johnny Ray Carpenter headed this community project. An accounting of the money will be published at a later date. “I cannot thank the community and volunteers enough for the outpouring of love and spirit that goes into this program,” stated Winnfield Chief of Police, Johnny Ray Carpenter. “Merry Christmas from all of us to all of you!”

12/11/2025

Quick Reminder: The community of first responders and civic leaders will come together for the annual "Shop with a Cop" program starting at the Winnfield Police Department at 2:00 pm tomorrow, Saturday December 13. We will parade on emergency response vehicles to the Walmart Supercenter for "Shop with a Cop". Come join us in providing a wonderful Christmas experience to these under privileged children and enjoy the comradery of all us working together to make this happen.