Anton Atkins tied to shell casings found at robbery scene

Shell casings found at the scene of an alleged armed robbery at the corner of Rosa Pearl and Plum on July 10 have been tied directly to a gun to which Bogalusa policeman Anton Atkins had access.

"We got the forensics back and they're (casings) from a gun he (Atkins) had access to," Chief of Police Joe Culpepper said. "Thankfully, it wasn't his service revolver."

Anton Atkins

Culpepper said he understands Atkins, who is on administrative leave with pay while he is under arrest, has bonded out.

Atkins, 29, was charged with armed robbery and dangerous use of a weapon after he allegedly robbed Willie Holloway of more than $300. Both charges are felonies and carry a jail sentence of up to 99 years. In addition, while not a separate charge, armed robbery with a gun is listed as part of the complaint as a sentencing enhancement.

Culpepper said the police department received a complaint at 8:44 p.m. on July 10 about an off-duty officer firing his gun.

Culpepper said responding officers found spent casings at the scene, which were collected as evidence and sent, along with Atkins' service revolver, to the St. Tammany Parish Sheriff's Office for forensics testing.

Culpepper said Atkins will now face an Internal Affairs investigation.

"Essentially, in an IA investigation, the chief of police is ordering the officer to testify," Culpepper explained. "Whatever he says, if he admits responsibility, cannot be used against him in a criminal proceeding because he does not have the right to take the Fifth (Amendment)."

Culpepper said the investigation is ongoing.