Lake Charles, Louisiana - A 14-year-old was shot and a 16-year-old is in custody after a gunshot rang out near a Lake Charles parade route on Tuesday, February 17, according to the Calcasieu Parish Sheriff’s Office.
The incident happened at approximately 7 p.m. in the area of Ryan Street and Alamo Street in Lake Charles, a location along an active parade route. Deputies from the Calcasieu Parish Sheriff’s Office (CPSO), who were already working security along the route, reported hearing a single gunshot coming from the parking lot of a nearby business.
When deputies moved toward the sound of the gunfire, they found a 14-year-old juvenile who had sustained one gunshot wound. Authorities did not release the teen’s name, consistent with standard practice for cases involving juveniles.
The suspect, later identified by CPSO as a 16-year-old juvenile, reportedly fled the area on foot immediately after the shooting. Deputies requested assistance from the CPSO Aviation Unit, which used aerial support to help track the fleeing suspect.
With that assistance, deputies located the 16-year-old near East Hale Street and Hodges Street in Lake Charles. He was taken into custody without reported incident.
The juvenile suspect was arrested and booked into the Calcasieu Parish Juvenile Detention Center. He faces the following charges:
- Attempted second-degree murder
- Reckless discharge of a firearm at a parade
- Illegal possession of a handgun by a juvenile
Law enforcement officials said the victim was transported to a local hospital for treatment. No additional details on the teen’s condition were provided.
The Calcasieu Parish Sheriff’s Office stated that the investigation remains ongoing and indicated that additional arrests are possible as detectives continue to review evidence and interview witnesses. CPSO Senior Sgt. Lauren Manuel is listed as the lead investigator on the case.
The Lake Charles Police Department assisted the Sheriff’s Office during the response and subsequent investigation.
Authorities did not release information about a possible motive, the type of firearm used, or any prior relationship between the suspect and the victim.
All persons are presumed innocent until proven guilty.