New Iberia residents are concerned about the overwhelming number of shootings in 2018 and its only February. 

“I’m angry with it. And I have no way to stop it,” says Louis Ackal, Iberia Parish Sheriff.  

The Iberia Parish Sheriff’s Department has already investigated 12 shootings this year, two of them were murders.

Dan Doerle, New Iberia Mayor Pro Tem says, “I think it’s family, how you bring up your family. And the way the younger generation is, there’s no respect for nothing.”

As we first reported in December, there were over 10 gang-related homicides in Iberia Parish in 2017. 

“You ask what are you shooting over?” he said she said. Have facts and then if you feel that there’s a problem go to the law enforcement,” says Charles Banks, an ex-gang member turned local pastor. 

The New Iberia Police Department will be re-established on July 1 of this year. 

“I don’t think a police department can stop that. It will maybe make it more accountable,” says Doerle.  

“I need the community support. If you know it’s gonna happen, let us know. If you know who did it, let us know. We will work it from there,” says Ackal.