DENHAM SPRINGS — On Sunday, September 14, 2025, during the early morning hours, officers patrolling in and around the antique village discovered graffiti on five different businesses, similar to a previous graffiti incident. The officers conducted foot patrols of the area in search of the suspect.
In an update Tuesday from local officials, two additional arrests have been made in connection with the vandalism occurring at 11 different locations in and around the antique district over the course of three different incidents. 19-year-old Xavier Parker and 18-year-old Daniel Aikens II are both accused of spray-painting graffiti on businesses and vehicles in the downtown and surrounding areas.
Authorities are asking anyone with information about this week’s vandalism to come forward.
The vandalism incidents went down Railroad Avenue and included James Drug Store among other businesses, and vehicles parked idle in the nearby laydown yard.
Ken Crotwell, one of the family members who own and operate James Drug Store, was shaken by the incident.
"In all of our years in business, we've never had to worry about vandalism," Crotwell told the News after sending a security video which showed the second act of vandalism on the side of their building. James Drug Store has been in business since 1932.
From the downtown area, Mustard Seed Creamery co-owners Timothy and Tasha Levert said in a statement, “We are hurting, but we’re doing our best to stay positive. Our goal has always been to be a business of love and light in this community, and we are deeply grateful for the many people who have shown us support — the community around us who ask thoughtful questions and listen to understand, the people who come to the shop to show their support, the friends who step in to help us clean up, and above all, Jesus, who gives us the strength and hope to keep going.”
The Leverts confirmed that local police are involved in investigating the incident, which is the second act of vandalism on their building. “(The police) have been very kind to us. They’ve made themselves available, and one even shared her cell number so we could communicate with her directly,” the statement continues.
A video and still images from surveillance footage played a key role in the previous incident that led to an arrest.
"The merchants in the Antique Village have been closely monitoring the recent vandalism that has taken place inside the Antique Village, and also the surrounding area of the City of Denham Springs," said Al Bye, director of the Denham Springs Antique Merchants Association. "It is disheartening to the small businesses to have to be concerned about the behavior that has taken place and we appreciate very much the Denham Springs Police Department (DSPD) for the recent arrest and continued monitoring of the vandalism throughout the downtown area.
"We appreciate our customers who come and shop and stroll through the Antique Village," Bye continued. "It is the hope of shop owners that once these individuals are arrested that the penalty will be strong enough to deter this kind of activity.
"We are very proud of the Historic District and welcome everyone to come and visit, shop, and stroll around the Antique Village!!"
The Denham Springs Fall Festival is back on Saturday, October 4th, from 9 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. in the Antique Village. More than 150 vendors will line Range Avenue with antiques, art, crafts, greenery, and unique finds. Mattie Street turns into Art Avenue with local talent on display, while Train Station Park hosts live music throughout the day. Grab a plate of jambalaya, a burger, or a funnel cake, shop seasonal sales, visit Old City Hall, and enjoy plenty of family fun with games, kiddie rides, and rest areas. Admission is free and everyone’s welcome.
