A Saturday shooting in Opelousas near East and Madison Streets left one person wounded and a neighborhood on lockdown as officers swarmed the area, police said. Patrol units quickly taped off the block while detectives worked the scene, collecting shell casings and talking with rattled witnesses.
Officers later arrested 30-year-old Montell Austin, who was booked on attempted second-degree murder, illegal use of a dangerous weapon or dangerous instrumentalities, and felon in possession of a firearm, according to authorities. Those charges were detailed in updated reporting by KATC.
Where It Happened And What Police Have Released
Police said the shooting happened in the area of East Street and Madison Street in Opelousas, where one person was taken to a hospital with injuries following the gunfire. As reported by KADN News 15, investigators have not released the victim’s name, and the case remains very much open.
Police Ask The Public For Tips
The Opelousas Police Department is leaning on the community for help closing the case. Anyone with information is urged to call the department’s non-emergency line at 337-948-2500 or contact St. Landry Crime Stoppers anonymously at 337-948-TIPS (8477). Tips can also be submitted online to local Crime Stoppers programs, and callers may be eligible for rewards.
This Comes Amid Other Recent Shootings
This is not an isolated call for Opelousas officers. The arrest comes on the heels of several other recent shooting investigations that have kept detectives busy and residents on edge. KATC reported that police have been working a string of gun cases in recent days and that tipsters could qualify for cash rewards if their information leads to arrests.
Legal Implications And Next Steps
Austin remains in custody as officials sort through the evidence and move the case toward prosecution, and authorities have said additional charges could be added as interviews continue. The Opelousas Police Department, working with local prosecutors, will determine the next steps as the investigation develops, according to KADN News 15.
