UPDATE: Investigators have concluded that the injuries sustained by the third party were not the result of a gunshot. Police say the man was injured while attempting to flee the Walmart.
Investigators do not believe a shooting incident took place and are still reviewing video from the incident.
Initial findings from the individual detained by deputies and who was found to be in possession of a handgun are that he legally obtained the firearm, is not prohibited from owning a firearm, and possesses a current Concealed Carry Handgun permit. Investigators have determined this person was acting in self-defense.
The second person involved in the incident is still at large, and the EBRPSO is requesting that anyone with information on his whereabouts or information on the incident to call Crime Stoppers at 344-7867 or the Sheriff's Office at 389-8000.
The investigation is still ongoing.
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The East Baton Rouge Sheriff now says his office's preliminary investigation indicates "a shooting incident did not occur."
Sheriff Sid Gautreaux said there was never an active shooter situation, and although everything is not nailed down now, he believes the initial calls reporting shooting were incorrect.
"Upon reviewing the video, investigators determined initial information obtained from eyewitnesses, and the 911 calls, was not accurate," the sheriff said.
A man did drive himself to a nearby hospital and told personnel there that he had been shot. The sheriff's statement does not address what, exactly, the man was treated for and how that injury was sustained - or where the man was when he was injured.
The initial report, that two men began arguing in the line for customer service and both pulled out weapons, is still believed to be accurate, the sheriff said.
The sheriff said that, after the first call came in, Deputies "arrived to find a very chaotic scene."
Here's the rest of his statement:
Panicked customers were running from the front and rear entrances to the store, and told initial responding Deputies that they could hear “popping” sounds that they believed to be gun shots. Sheriff’s Deputies entered the store, and made an initial security search of the store, to ensure there were no shooting victims in the store, and there was not an active shooting incident that was ongoing. At the same time, another 911 caller advised that Deputies had detained one of the suspects involved in the incident. This suspect was found to be in possession of a handgun. Additionally, the Sheriff’s Office received information that someone had arrived at a local hospital transported by private vehicle with what was believed to be gunshot wounds. This was reported by the injured victim to hospital emergency room personnel.
A second security sweep of the store was conducted by EBRSO & BRPD Swat personnel, and found the store to be secure. At this point, investigators began gathering witness statements, interviewing store employees, and reviewing store surveillance video. Upon reviewing the video, investigators determined initial information obtained from eyewitnesses, and the 911 calls, was not accurate. Investigators have determined that an altercation did occur in the Customer Service area of the store between two males, where weapons were drawn. When customers saw the handgun, panic set in, and customers were running and screaming while trying to exit the store. Many witnesses have reported hearing “popping” noises during the incident. A forensic examination of the weapon taken from the detained suspect will be conducted. The second suspect involved in the initial altercation ran from the store and has not been located as of yet. The investigation is ongoing, and investigators still have video to review and compare to eyewitness statements.
Given the recent events in El Paso and Dayton, and given the initial information we received via 911 calls and witnesses exiting the store, we responded with what we feel is appropriate. The national climate regarding these incidents has the nation on edge, and citizens’ anxiety levels much higher than normal. We are in a position that we must respond according to our protocols and training to ensure that we are keeping our citizens safe. I would like to personally thank all of our law enforcement partners, on the local, state, and federal levels, as well as all medical and fire department personnel for the tremendous response to this incident. Preliminary investigation results gathered are that a shooting incident did not occur, however the investigation is ongoing. We will update with any further developments from this incident.
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Sheriff's deputies, Baton Rouge Police Officers and State Police responded to the the Walmart on Burbank Drive and Bluebonnet following reports of a "possible active shooter."
Following the 12 pm report, officers were also dispatched to other area Walmart stores.
The sheriff's office says that the incident was not an active shooting investigation. Officials tell WBRZ that the incident stemmed from an altercation between two individuals inside the store. That altercation reportedly led to the shooting where one bystander was shot.
One suspect is reportedly in custody. A second person is being sought by police. That person is said to have fled the scene in a light-colored sedan.
One person was taken to the hospital before EMS arrived on scene. No other injuries have been reported.
The sheriff's office says that information gathered from witnesses exiting the store by investigators may not be accurate. Updated information will be provided on the situation.
For more updates follow, WBRZ.
