Natchitoches Parish Sheriff’s Detectives are continuing and actively investigating Tuesday afternoon’s shooting in Payne Sub-Division that left a Natchitoches juvenile suffering from life-threatening gunshot wounds according to Natchitoches Parish Sheriff Stuart Wright.
NPSO Patrol Operations Bureau deputies responded to NATCOM 911 Center reports of “shots fired” on Sept. 24 around 5:44 pm in 100 block of Keith Drive in Payne Sub-Division off of La. Hwy 6 East near Natchitoches.
While responding to the area, a sheriff’s detective intercepted a private vehicle with emergency flashers on, transporting a gunshot victim, a 16-year-old Natchitoches juvenile to Natchitoches Regional Medical Center.
Patrol deputies and five sheriff’s detectives responded to the crime scene and Natchitoches Regional Medical Center.
Sheriff Wright and Chief Deputy D. Winder also responded.
At the hospital, detectives learned the juvenile suffering from gunshot wounds had life-threatening injuries.
Natchitoches Regional Medical Center Emergency Staff performed life-saving measures.
The juvenile was later transferred to a regional trauma center in critical condition.
Detectives brought in special lighting equipment to photograph and process the crime scene where over 40-bullet casings, were recovered and collected for crime lab analysis.
Detectives canvassed the area and spoke with residents in the area that reported hearing multiple gunshots in the area.
The suspects apparently fled the area prior to law enforcement’s arrival.
Throughout the night, detectives continued the investigation executing a search warrant at an undisclosed location near Natchitoches looking for evidence in connection with the senseless shooting.
Detectives say throughout today, they have been reviewing evidence, speaking to family, friends, and following up on potential leads in the investigation.
No futher details are being released at this time to protect the integrity of the investigation as it remains active and ongoing.
If you have any information or video in relation to the shooting, please contact the NPSO Criminal Investigations Bureau at 357-7830, Natchitoches Parish Sheriff’s Office at 352-6432, or Natchitoches Crime Stoppers at 318-238-2388. You may be eligible for a reward and your information will remain confidential. Crime Stoppers is not a law enforcement agency.