Man accused in Denham Springs officer shooting, had rap sheet

Justin Roberts, 30

DENHAM SPRINGS — Justin Roberts, the man accused of shooting Denham Springs Cpl. Shawn Kelly, has a criminal history that spans both East Baton Rouge and Livingston Parishes.

Roberts, 30, of Denham Springs, died from his injuries Thursday evening after he was shot multiple times.

According to law enforcement sources, Cpl. Kelly was responding to an argument between Roberts and a woman in the parking lot of the Petco off Range Ave. in Denham Springs. When the Denham Springs Police Officer arrived on the scene, sources say that a shootout ensued with Roberts.

Roberts reportedly fled the scene and ended up in the parking lot of the old Albertson’s near Hwy. 190 and Range Ave. Other law enforcement agencies including the Livingston & East Baton Rouge Parish Sheriff’s Offices responded to that scene where sources say additional shots were fired.

Kelly remains in critical condition and fighting for his life.

EBR (2015) charged with attempted armed robbery, aggravated battery

In October 2015, Roberts was arrested and charged with attempted armed robbery and aggravated battery stemming from an incident that occurred at the Regency Club Apartments on Southfork Ave.

According to arrest records, the victim stated he knew Roberts, despite Roberts trying to rob him. The victim said he went to Roberts’ apartment to watch a Saints game. At halftime, the victim said he and Roberts went to his car to smoke and Roberts’ allegedly pulled out a knife and told him “Give me everything and get out of the car.”

The document notes that the victim pulled the knife from his throat and a struggle ensued that ended with Roberts biting the victim and jumping out of the car.

Roberts later told authorities he was buying drugs from the victim and he was defending himself from a robbery.

Roberts pleaded not guilty to the charges at his arraignment in February 2016. In February 2018, Roberts withdrew his not guilty plea and pleaded guilty to lesser charges which were: attempted misdemeanor theft and simple battery.

The court placed Roberts on unsupervised probation for one year in February 2018 and because he didn’t commit any crimes during the probationary period and had no pending charges, Roberts’ charges were dismissed in October 2018.

Livingston Parish (2019) multiple charges

In November 2019, Roberts was arrested and accused of resisting an officer, 14 grams or less of marijuana, and careless operation of a motor vehicle.

In August 2020, Roberts pleaded no contest in court and was sentenced to 21 days in the parish jail and received credit for time served.

Received Citation (2020)

In December 2020, Roberts received a citation for traveling 64 mph in a 45 and failure to obey a police officer. Roberts paid the $262 and $217 fines respectively.

Livingston Parish (2022) Resisting an officer and careless operation

In April 2022, Roberts was charged with resisting an officer and careless operation of a motor vehicle. The documents note that Roberts failed to appear in court for the charges in March 2023.

His bond was set at $367.

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3 Comments on Man accused in Denham Springs officer shooting, had rap sheet

  1. At least 2 other incidences reported with this same POS within the past week including one teenager being followed home by him.

    I’m sure we’ll all be told more laws will fix people like the perp being able to obtain guns.

    • Yep, several residents of the Willows in Dinky Springs encountered him recently, had “issues” with him

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