Gonzales residents cited for littering

A Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries Enforcement Division agent cited three Gonzales residents for littering in Ascension Parish on Feb. 19, according to spokesperson Adam Einck.

Senior Agent Randy Lanoux was traveling south along Highway 61 in Ascension Parish when he observed three trucks pulling trailers traveling in succession.

The trailers contained partially covered pallets of crushed aluminum cans and other scrap aluminum, which were flying off onto the roadway and into the path of passing vehicles.

Lanoux stopped the vehicles and cited Shai Stafford, 41, Sidney Ballard, 63, and Shadd Ballard, 36, for simple littering.

The load was properly secured before they were allowed to continue.

The penalty for first offense simple littering is the option of paying a $75 fine or performing eight hours of community service in a litter abatement program, plus a special $100 court cost.

The public is reminded that when hauling items in the back of pickup trucks or on trailers, the items must be properly secured and covered to prevent inadvertent litter on public roadways.

Failure to do so could result in being issued a citation.