Police chief announces arrest after viral rap video raises Strawberry Festival threat concerns
By Erin Lowrey
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PONCHATOULA, Louisiana (WDSU) — A 19-year-old has been arrested in connection with a viral video that the Ponchatoula police chief said threatened the security of the annual Strawberry Festival.
According to Ponchatoula Police Chief Bry Layrisson, the viral video, described as a rap video, had a lyric that referenced the Strawberry Festival.
The video has since gained over 80,000 views, and numerous people have expressed concern that the song lyrics and hand gestures might be a threat, according to Layrisson.
Following an investigation, Amari Sexton, 19, was arrested at his home in Hammond.
The Hammond Police Department seized several electronics from Sexton’s home.
Out of an abundance of caution, Layrisson said Sexton is banned from the festival.
The investigation comes on the heels of the first year the festival is operating on shorter hours.
Amid security concerns in 2025, the festival made the decision to close at 8 p.m.
The Ponchatoula Strawberry Festival runs April 10-12.
Anyone with information regarding the investigation is asked to call the Ponchatoula Police Department at 985-386-6548.
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