VPPD investigating shooting

By: CARISSA HEBERT

Managing Editor

At press time, the Ville Platte Police Department was investigating an early morning shooting on East Jackson Street.

A black male, born in 1972, was taken into police custody shortly after the incident, according to Sgt. Linton Fontenot, a detective with the department. Fontenot expected attempted murder charges would be filed against this suspect, but he had to speak to the district attorney’s office to discuss the investigation.

Another black male, believed to also be somewhere in his mid 30s, was taken to Ville Platte Medical Center with a gunshot wound to the upper chest area.

“A witness returned home and saw two guys in the street,” Fontenot said. “Then the witness heard three to four shots.”

The department was notified at approximately 6:15 a.m. At the scene, a suspect was seen running through the yard. An officer chased the suspect and caught him in the backyard of that residence or the residence next door.

“It’s still under investigation,” Fontenot said. “If anyone has any information, please call me.”

Police Chief Neal Lartigue encourages the public to report information to his department. He said all callers will remain anonymous.