Suspect Identified, Apprehended After Six Teenagers Shot at Party in South Louisiana

A tragic incident unfolded in the early hours of the morning on Bruce Drive in Lake Charles, where six teenagers became the victims of a shooting at a local house party.

UPDATE:

The Calcasieu Parish Sheriff’s Office has identified the shooter as 17-year-old Artavien Green of Lake Charles. Green faces multiple charges, including five counts of aggravated second-degree battery, attempted second-degree murder, illegal possession of a handgun by a juvenile, and illegal use of a weapon during a violent crime.

Green was apprehended at around 8 p.m. on October 29th, as confirmed by the sheriff’s office spokeswoman Kayla Vincent. Initial reports from deputies indicate that a dispute during the party escalated, leading Green to allegedly fire at six individuals. One of the victims had to be airlifted to a hospital in Lafayette and remains in critical condition.

In a noteworthy move, Chief Deputy Stitch Guillory mentioned that while it's uncommon for the sheriff’s office to publicize the identity of a juvenile suspect, this step was taken after all other leads had been pursued, indicating the gravity of the situation and the importance of public assistance in the ongoing investigation.

ORIGINAL STORY:

According to a report from KPLC, the teenagers were attending a gathering at a residence off Opelousas Street when an altercation occurred around midnight. The situation rapidly escalated, leading to a firearm being discharged.

The injured individuals include a 15-year-old, two 16-year-olds, two 17-year-olds, and a 19-year-old. One of the victims, whose age has not been disclosed, has been transported to an out-of-town medical facility and is currently in critical condition.

Sheriff Tony Mancuso expressed deep concern regarding the incident. "We are in the midst of collecting evidence and interviewing all potential witnesses," said Mancuso. He emphasized the urgency of addressing the problem of teen violence and weapons accessibility, stating, "This was a party filled with teenagers. We have a pressing need to ascertain how firearms are reaching our young people."

Mancuso further appealed to parents and guardians to play an active role in monitoring their children's activities. "I strongly urge parents to remain vigilant, be aware of your children's whereabouts, and understand who they are associating with. Teen violence is a pressing issue in our nation, and it's our collective responsibility to be informed and proactive about our children's actions. We can't stand by and allow such incidents to become the norm in our community."

The Calcasieu Parish Sheriff's Office is appealing to the public for any information related to the shooting. If you have any information or witnessed the incident, you are encouraged to contact CPSO at 491-3605.