By LEONARD GRAY

RESERVE – Reserve Oaks public housing development remained the focus of violence this week, with one resident arrested for four counts of attempted first-degree murder and a juvenile resident arrested for arson.

Deputies were called to the scene of a disturbance with weapons on Aug. 20 at 4:57 p.m., where they learned of shots being fired in the area. A large group of people gathered in the 100 block of E. 13th Street scattered when police arrived.

Others came forward and offered information, which led to the arrest of Reginald Cosey, 18, of 271 E. 13th St., Reserve.

According to one victim, he and several friends were helping a resident move, when Cardell Cosey, 19, of 233 E. 14th St., approached and said he and some others would “jump” him.

The victim left to warn his friends, while Cardell Cosey walked in the apparent direction of his home.

Minutes later, someone began firing shots from an automatic rifle from the north end of East 13th Street near the East 12th crossover, in the direction of the victims. The group took cover, and one was able to identify Cardell Cosey as the main shooter. No one was injured.

When deputies arrived, they went to the residence on E. 14th and located Reginald Cosey, who was identified as one of the other shooters. According to witnesses, Cardell possibly had an AK-47, while the two others had handguns.

Reginald Cosey was taken into custody, his bond set at $300,000 by 40th Judicial District Judge Mary Hotard Becnel. Deputies are still seeking Cardell Cosey and also Carl Cosey, 20, of 310 E. 13th St., Reserve.

Reginald Cosey was charged with illegal use of weapons during a felony, two counts simple criminal damage to property and four counts attempted first-degree murder.

Also at the Reserve Oaks housing development, a small rag fire was set in a four-plex by a 16-year-old male resident, who broke into the vacant apartment to set the fire.

The fire, discovered on Aug. 22 at 12:53 p.m., caused minor damage.

The state Fire Marshal’s office, working with St. John Parish sheriff’s deputies and with the cooperation of residents, soon located the suspect juvenile.

He was charged with simple arson and faced a hearing Friday morning before Judge Becnel.

Capt. Michael Tregre of the St. John the Baptist Parish Sheriff’s Office expressed his gratitude that local residents quickly came forward to assist in clearing up this incident.