In a straightforward late-night situation that could have escalated to tragedy, the St. John the Baptist Parish Sheriff's Office has reported an arrest in connection with several gunshots fired in LaPlace. The potentially deadly episode unfolded last Sunday, just before the clock struck 11 p.m., fortunately leaving no one injured.
The Sheriff's Office had to quickly respond to the calls of gun violence emitting from the 1800 block of Southdown Road. One of the homes here, along with its front yard, became an inadvertent target, as did another residence on the 2100 block of South Sugar Ridge in LaPlace. As law enforcement dove into the investigation, it's SJSO crime cameras became particularly valuable – they assisted in the identification of one alleged culprit: Zion Pierce, a 17-year-old resident of LaPlace.
Details provided by the St. John the Baptist Parish Sheriff's Office Facebook post indicate Pierce was charged with a slew of firearm-related offenses. Specifically, he was booked with "negligent carrying of a concealed handgun; illegal use of weapons or dangerous instrumentalities and illegal possession of a handgun by a juvenile (felony)."
At this time, authorities are continuing to thoroughly examine the Sunday night incident. More arrests seem likely to follow, as hinted by the Sheriff's Office statement. The investigation remains active, and those with information seem encouraged to step forward to aid the authorities.
