Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries Enforcement Division agents seized a live alligator from a subject on Bourbon Street in the early morning hours of Feb. 14.

Agents arrested Eurell D. Johnson, 25, of New Roads, for being a convicted felon in possession of a firearm, possession of marijuana and a possession of a live alligator.

Agents patrolling the French Quarter Enhanced Safety Zone observed Johnson walking down the 400 block of Bourbon St. carrying an approximately three to four foot live alligator around 1:30 a.m. Agents made contact with Johnson and also found him in possession of a firearm and marijuana. Agents also learned that Johnson was a convicted felon and could not possess a firearm.

Agents seized the live alligator and turned it over to the on call LDWF biologist. Agents also seized a pistol and marijuana. Agents booked Johnson into the Orleans Parish Jail.

A convicted felon in possession of a firearm brings a $1,000 to $5,000 fine and five to 20 years in jail. Illegal possession of a live alligator carries a $400 to $950 fine and up to 120 days in jail. Illegal possession of marijuana brings up to a $100 fine.

Agents participating in the case are Senior Agent Grayson Parker, Sgt. James Bruce, Sgt. Emily Sexton and Sgt. Josh Harris.

BATON ROUGE, La. (WAFB) – Louisiana has achieved its highest-ever seatbelt usage rate at 88.4%, with officials crediting a remix of Lafayette music artist Cupid’s hit song “Cupid Shuffle” for helping drive the numbers.

The Louisiana Highway Safety Commission partnered with Cupid on a Valentine’s Day video promoting seatbelt safety to celebrate the record-high usage rate. The collaboration features a remix of Cupid’s international hit with new lyrics emphasizing the importance of wearing seatbelts.

“Nothing says ‘I love you’ more than, ‘I want you to wear your seat belt,’” said LHSC Executive Director Lisa Freeman. “And no one has ever expressed that more musically than Cupid.”

Jingle credited with driving usage rates

At LHSC’s request, Cupid remixed “Cupid Shuffle” with new words for a 2018 public service announcement called “Now Click.” The jingle has gained momentum and is credited with helping Louisiana achieve the record usage rate, according to an LHSC 2025 observational survey.

“I mean, every time the commercial comes on the radio, I get a call or a text from somebody saying, ‘I just heard you on the radio,’” Cupid said. “I’m like, ‘What song?’ They say, ‘The Click It song.’”

Freeman said the jingle is “catchy and fun, and I’d give Cupid another gold record if it were up to me.”

“There’s absolutely no doubt that this jingle has gotten into the heads of young drivers, reminding them to buckle up, and I’m certain it has saved lives,” Freeman said.

The video is available on YouTube and LHSC’s social media pages.

Personal connection drives artist’s involvement

Cupid said he decided to create the jingle for LHSC because seatbelt safety is a cause close to his heart.

“I had a cousin who I played football with who passed away in a car accident, and I just felt that it was something that needed to be done,” he said. “He was one of my closest friends, and (he and some friends) were leaving a football game, had a car accident, car flipped over, and everybody in the car was OK except him.”

Cupid also has a son who recently started driving.

“You’ve got to know every time he gets in that car, I’m nervous,” he said. Cupid’s son knows the jingle, “so that lets me know that we’re doing the right thing.”

Cupid said he felt it was right to give back to the community using his successful music career.

“Sometimes you’ve got to step out and help the community out and use your power and music to be able to touch people all over,” Cupid said. “At the end of the day, you have lessons, and you have blessings, and you take those lessons to try to create blessings for other people.”

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