A teenage dispute in LaPlace turned into gunfire on the 1800 block of Southdown Road on Thursday night, damaging five vehicles and at least one home, though no one was hurt. Deputies arrested a 15-year-old suspect who reportedly tried to flee but was tracked by an aerial drone to a nearby backyard, where he was found with a backpack containing multiple guns.
What Investigators Say
The St. John the Baptist Parish Sheriff’s Office says deputies were called out around 7:05 p.m. after 911 callers reported shots fired. Investigators say the gunfire was aimed at a group the suspects had an ongoing feud with, not at random neighbors caught in the crossfire.
According to the St. John Parish Sheriff's Office, deputies recovered three firearms from the teen’s backpack. The juvenile was booked on several counts, including illegal possession of a handgun by a juvenile, illegal use of weapons or dangerous instrumentalities, and aggravated criminal damage to property.
Sheriff Mike Tregre described the gunfire as “a targeted incident involving an on-going feud between two groups” and said investigators expect more arrests to follow, according to the St. John Parish Sheriff's Office. Two other people suspected of firing shots are still on the run, as reported by WWLTV.
Local Context
The arrest is the latest in a string of gun-related incidents keeping LaPlace on edge this winter. In January, deputies arrested six people and seized four guns after another reported outbreak of gunfire, a case that underscored just how frequently officers have been responding to shots-fired calls in the area. That earlier incident was detailed in reporting by WDSU.
How To Help
Detectives are still piecing together who did what on Southdown Road and say community tips could make the difference.
Anyone with information is asked to contact the Criminal Investigations Division at (504) 494-4194 (Det. Denis James), the SJSO TIPS line at 985-359-TIPS, or CrimeStoppers at 504-822-1111, according to the St. John Parish Sheriff's Office. Tips can also be submitted online through the St. John Parish Sheriff's tip portal.
