Detectives with the St. John the Baptist Parish Sheriff's Office are asking Reserve residents to help identify a person seen on surveillance video shortly after gunfire rang out in a neighborhood near East 22nd Street. Investigators say the Feb. 12 shooting was followed by the subject bolting from the area moments after the shots.
What investigators released
According to the St. John the Baptist Parish Sheriff's Office, detectives with the Criminal Investigations Division reviewed surveillance footage that appears to show a subject believed to have discharged a firearm, then taking off from the scene. The Facebook post includes still images pulled from the video and notes that deputies responded to reports of gunshots in the area of E. 22nd Street on Feb. 12. Investigators are asking anyone who recognizes the person to contact law enforcement and to hang on to any doorbell or security camera footage from that time frame.
How to tip detectives
Tips can be shared anonymously with Crimestoppers of Greater New Orleans at 504-822-1111 or through its online tip form, Crimestoppers says. Callers who provide information that leads to an arrest may be eligible for a reward, per Crimestoppers GNO. Detectives stress that even details that seem minor to a witness can end up being crucial, and they are again urging residents to preserve any relevant camera footage from the day of the shooting.
Local context
The Sheriff's Office says it has issued several public appeals this month while working multiple shooting investigations across St. John Parish, including a double homicide reported in LaPlace on Feb. 19. In a Sheriff's Office press release, investigators said they believe some of the recent violence is tied to disputes involving illegal narcotics and again called for community cooperation. Citizens can also submit anonymous tips through the Sheriff's Office TIPS line at 985-359-TIPS or via the crime tips page on the Sheriff's Office website, the release notes.
Investigators add that a single recognizable clue - such as a particular hat, vehicle make or distinctive tattoo - can be enough to point them toward a suspect. The Sheriff's Office and Crimestoppers say all tips will be handled confidentially as detectives continue their work on the Reserve shooting and other open cases.
