Caldwell deputies make attempted murder arrests

On the afternoon of April 12, 2016 the Caldwell Parish Sheriff’s Department received information that gun shots had been fired on Duckett Street in Columbia. While searching the area, deputies located two individuals on Leslie Street that ran as they were approached.
The first suspect was located in a drainage ditch behind Family Dollar Store. During a search of the suspect, several .22 bullets were located in his pants pocket. While searching the area, deputies found a .22 revolver loaded with six rounds and the hammer back.
The second suspect was located under a trailer house just south of 128 Leslie Street. Also located in the same area was a digital scale, MP3 player, four 9mm bullets, pink RCA tablet, money and a black stocking cap. A further search of the area revealed a 9mm semi automatic pistol.
After the suspects were in custody, detectives returned to Duckett Street to interview the victims. Information was obtained that a confrontation had taken place at 113 Duckett Street. Three victims were getting into a truck to leave and were shot at several times by both suspects. The residence had the lock beat off the front door and two items found during the arrest of the second suspect were confirmed stolen from the house.
Ahmed Varner, 19 of Columbia was arrested on April 12, 2016 and charged with 3 counts attempted second degree murder, simple burglary of an inhabited dwelling and possession of a firearm by persons convicted of certain felonies.
Belafonte Canada, 20 of Columbia was arrested on April 12, 2016 and charged with 3 counts attempted second degree murder and simple burglary of an inhabited dwelling.
Later the same day Belafonte Canada was arrested a second time and charged with simple escape. Canada was observed to have escaped the confinement of the Caldwell Parish Jail with handcuffs and leg restraints in tact. Information was gained as to the possible location of the suspect. The suspect was located at 149 River Queen Road inside a residence and taken back into custody.
Ahmed Varner was also arrested a second time the same day for attempted simple escape. Varner was observed via live closed circuit camera from the Caldwell Parish Jail making movements that appeared to be consistent with someone trying to take off handcuffs. Deputies found a metal clip off of an ink pen bent where the suspect was trying to unlock the handcuffs in an attempt to escape.
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