Shreveport Man Charles Ford Held in Gun Case
Shreveport is currently at the center of a federal investigation following the arrest of 56-year-old Charles Ford, who is accused of being connected to the firearm used in a mass shooting that left eight children dead. Federal authorities have charged Ford with illegal possession of a firearm as a convicted felon, as well as making false statements to federal investigators.
The case is linked to a violent incident on April 19, when Shamar Elkins carried out a mass shooting before being fatally shot during a confrontation with law enforcement. Investigators allege that the weapon used in the attack can be traced back to Ford through a chain of possession established during interviews with the firearm’s original buyer, who identified Ford as the individual who had taken custody of it.
According to court records, Ford is legally prohibited from owning or possessing firearms due to prior felony convictions. These include a simple robbery conviction in 2000 and a domestic abuse battery conviction in 2011, both of which make firearm possession a federal offense.
When first questioned by federal agents, Ford reportedly denied ever having control of the weapon. However, investigators say he later altered his account, stating that he had kept the firearm beneath the seat of his truck. Ford also suggested that Elkins, who he claimed occasionally rode in his vehicle, may have taken the gun without his knowledge prior to the shooting.
He further told authorities that when he confronted Elkins about the firearm, Elkins allegedly reacted aggressively, prompting Ford to distance himself from the situation. At this time, officials have not indicated that Ford had prior knowledge of Elkins’ intent to carry out the attack.
Federal prosecutors have stressed that the investigation remains active and ongoing. They are continuing to examine how Elkins obtained the weapon and the sequence of events leading up to the deadly shooting, given the severity of the incident and its impact.
If convicted, Ford faces up to 15 years in federal prison for the firearm possession charge, along with an additional potential five-year sentence for making false statements to federal authorities.