A 21-year-old Loranger man is wanted after deputies say he shot his own cousin in the leg during a struggle over a backpack containing a gun, then ran off with it. The Tangipahoa Parish Sheriff's Office says the shooting happened Sunday at a mobile home on North St. Charles Avenue, and the suspect remains at large.
Deputies Say Victim Was Shot During Struggle Over Backpack
According to wdsu.com, deputies responded to reports of a shooting at the mobile home park and found a man who had been shot in the leg. He was taken to an area hospital for treatment, the outlet reports. Investigators identified the suspect as Azurian Ashton, 21, who they say is his cousin.
The sheriff's office says Ashton took a backpack containing a gun from the victim, and the two struggled over the bag before Ashton pulled out a weapon and shot him. Ashton then ran away with the backpack, according to the same report. Deputies have not said whether he has been located or taken into custody.
Suspect Wanted on Multiple Felony Counts
Ashton is wanted for one count each of attempted first-degree murder, armed robbery, and criminal street gangs and patterns of criminal street gang activity, the station's report states. It is not clear from available reporting whether formal charges have been filed in court or whether the allegations have been adjudicated.
Anyone with information about Ashton's whereabouts can contact the Tangipahoa Parish Sheriff's Office Criminal Investigations Division at 985-902-2088, according to wbrz.com. Tip providers may be eligible for a cash reward.
Second Loranger Shooting Investigation Earlier This Year
This is not the first violent incident reported on North St. Charles Avenue in the Loranger area this year. Arrest warrants were issued for two people in connection with a separate shooting on May 21 that injured three people, according to wgno.com.
