Denham Springs community shows support for officer injured in shooting

DENHAM SPRINGS, La. (BRPROUD) – A Denham Springs Police officer remains hospitalized in critical condition after getting shot in the parking lot of a shopping center.

Cpl. Shawn Kelly is a well-known and respected Denham Springs native with nearly two decades of experience as a law enforcement officer.

Many people in the area speak highly of Kelly saying he’s very generous and walks around with a positive attitude.

Kelly was shot after a suspect began shooting at police around 4:30 p.m. Thursday. Officers said there was an argument between Justin Roberts, 30, and another woman.

The Livingston Parish family is showing support by holding a community prayer and donating blood with the hopes of saving Kelly’s life.

Tammy Felder is the president of the L-P Mafia Jeep and a long-time friend of Kelly. Felder said it’s rare for an incident like this to happen in her hometown and that she’s devastated.

“We need God. This community, we’re a tight community. Our Jeep club is a tight Jeep community. And God knew that we would be willing and I opened it to the public because I think the community needs it,” said Felder.

The Denham Springs Police Department said Kelly works in the traffic unit but helps out when it is needed.

“He’s a great guy. He’d do anything in the world for anybody. He loved his job and we just need him home,” said Felder.

Sgt. Scott Sterling with Denham Springs Police Department released a statement and said, “Corporal Shawn Kelly is a lifetime public servant and is the type of officer who wants to respond to every call and help every person he can reach. Thank you to everyone who has shown up to donate blood as well. The turnout has been tremendous.”

The department is hosting a second blood drive from 9 a.m. until 1 p.m. Saturday, May 19 at Sidney Hutchinson Park in Walker.

There will be another blood drive held from 9 a.m. until 4 p.m. at the Livingston Parish Courthouse on Monday, May 15.

The LP Mafia Jeep Club will hold a prayer in Spring Park Plaza right in front of the Petco near South Range Avenue. The event is expected to start between 9 a.m. to 9:30 a.m. Saturday.