Natchitoches Police Department officers responded to a call of possible gunshots in the 700 block of Lafayette Street March 12 at 4:45 pm. When officers arrived no one was in the area.

Officers were then notified that a victim with a gunshot wound arrived at Natchitoches Regional Medical Center. Officers spoke with the victim who advised he was in the area of Lafayette Street to buy drugs and got into a verbal altercation with a black male. The altercation became physical and the black male shot at the victim striking him in the thigh area. The victim was taken to NRMC by a friend and was later transported to University Health in Shreveport.

The Natchitoches Police Department Criminal Investigations Division interviewed the victim and witnesses. During the investigation it was determined that the shooter was Charley Lynch, 22. Lynch was charged with attempted first degree murder and placed in the Natchitoches Parish Detention Center. His bond was set at $500, 000. This investigation is continuing.