A shooting on Banks Street South of Coushatta early Wednesday morning has left one man dead and a Red River Parish Deputy Sheriff injured. Louisiana State Police were called in by the sheriff to investigate the incident. That investigation continued Wednesday evening.
State Police report that deputies responded to a welfare concern at a home on Banks Street. Upon arrival they made contact with a male subject who was the source of the call. That report states “the male subject armed himself with a firearm. Shots were then fired by both the male subject and the deputies.”
The subject was identified by family members as Preston Thornton, a six-year veteran of the Army. They said Thornton had served in combat in both Iraq and Afghanistan.
Thornton’s sister Sydneye Thornton (pictured below) told the Journal she had been talking all night with Thornton who had been suffering from an episode of paranoia. She also said that Thornton had been diagnosed with PTSD. His sister said “Early this morning they had sought assistance from the Veterans Administration. Preston Thornton had agreed with the VA representative to allow himself to be transported to the VA in Shreveport for treatment.
Thornton’s mother Natalie Wilson told the Journal, “I was in the room with my son when the deputies arrived.” Wilson said she did not see her son with a weapon and she did not specifically see anyone shoot his weapon. But she added, “There was a lot of shooting and a lot of blood in the house, and I thought everyone was dead.”
The incident continues to be investigated by Red River Deputies and State Police. The Journal will have an update in our Friday edition.
Praying for you and your family Sydneye. My God give you the supernatural strength and his peace that passing all understanding. Love you……………….
My prayer also go out to officer involved and his family..
So sorry to hear this for all involved. Knowing Sydneye I know how good a person she is and I’m guessing that most of her immediate family members are much the same and are great people. Being former law enforcement I know that sometimes a situation forces your hand regardless of the real intention of the suspect. I am thankful for this gentleman’s’ service to our country , and at the same time sad to know that during this service it sounds like PTSD was involved which may have caused this person to act aggressively towards others because his mind was in a totally different situation beyond his control. Having to use lethal force is the last thing that an officer wants to do even when warranted. Praying for all involved and hoping for speedy recovery for officer involved and I pray for peace for suspects family, your warriors battle is over.
#R.I.P Preston Thorton Thank you for all the GOOD TIMES in the Military Barracks (Germany)I still remember when Sgt Rawling STUCK us on duty at 2am…
In the field LoL I hope law enforcement can implement NEW training to deal with US VETERANS suffering from PTSD.
Too young to die #PTSD
RIP Mr. Thornton and thank you for your service. Get Well Soon Deputy Officer and thank you for your service.