On Sunday evening June 21st, between the hours of 10pm-11pm, Deputies assigned to the NPSO Patrol Division responded to reports from motorists traveling on La. Hwy 9 near US-71 in Campti, La., that someone had apparently shot at their vehicles shattering the passenger side door glass on a 2001 Ford F-150 pickup truck and a 2001 Honda Civic passenger car.
The reported damages to the vehicles was approximately $500.
During the initial stages of the investigation, deputies believed the damages were caused by someone shooting a BB gun at the vehicles.
Deputies interviewed the victims, photographed the vehicles, collected information for offense reports and checked the area for possible suspects but were unable to locate anyone at the time.
The investigative file was turned over to the NPSO Criminal Investigations Division for an follow-up investigation.
During the week, detectives assigned to the NPSO Criminal Investigations began speaking to residents near the crime scene.
Detectives say during those knock and talks they were able to collect valuable information from residents in the area willing to help that led to a juvenile suspect according to Chief Investigator Greg Dunn.
On Thursday June 25th, detectives interviewed the juvenile at the NPSO Criminal Investigations Division after reporting with a parent.
During the interview, detectives say the juvenile confessed to shooting at the vehicles with a BB gun.
The BB gun was collected and seized for evidence.
As a result of the investigation, detectives arrested:
13 year old Campti juvenile, booked at the Natchitoches Parish Sheriff’s Office and charged with 2-counts of Criminal Damage to Property.
The juvenile’s name which is not being released because of juvenile justice laws was released into the custody of a parent pending court appearance.
Sheriff Victor Jones Jr., expresses his thanks and appreciation to the residents of Campti that were willing to help and assist detectives in this investigation which led to an arrest. We are also pleased that no one was seriously injured or a traffic accident did not occur as a result these incidents.
Detective Darrel Winder investigated the case.
