An Opelousas juvenile has been arrested after allegedly stealing a vehicle at gunpoint, being responsible for at least two shootings, and leading police on a high speed chase in the stolen vehicle through parts of the city.
Between 2 a.m. and 7 a.m. on Friday, Opelousas Police responded to a report of a vehicle theft in the 100 block of Lincoln St. and three separate shooting complaints (900 block of Bernice St., 100 block of Lincoln St., and 1300 block of W. Park Ave.). Two different victims were injured and transported to a lcoal hospital and a residence was struck by gunfire, according to police. Officers learned that a 14-year-old juvenile had stolen the vehicle at gunpoint and was responsible for at least two of the shootings.
After observing the stolen vehicle being driven by the juvenile just after 7 a.m., officers attempted to conduct a traffic stop on the vehicle. The suspect fled in the vehicle, and a short high speed chase ensued through residential areas in the southwest section of Opelousas.
The suspect disregarded numerous traffic laws before crashing the stolen vehicle into an Opelousas Police Department Unit. He then fled on foot but was apprehended shortly after. No one was injured in the pursuit.
The juvenile confessed to the vehicle theft and one of the shootings in an interview with police. He also admitted to removing and discarding an ankle monitor. OPD Spokesperson Major Mark Guidry said the juvenile was currently out of custody and on parole while being monitored via the ankle monitor for previous violent crimes. The juvenile's parole was revoked after a hearing in Opelousas Juvenile Court on Friday.
The juvenile was taken back into custody by Louisiana Office of Juvenile Justice Officers and transported to a juvenile correctional center. He is facing charges of armbed robbery, theft of an automobile, possession of a firearm by a juvenile, attempted second degree murder, illegal carrying/discharging of weapons, Louisiana Disaster Curfew violation, and aggravated flight from an officer.
One shooting victim is currently listed in critical condition and one is stable. Guidry said the juvenile admitted to having an issue with one of the victims from a prior altercation; the motive behind the second shooting is unknown.
Major Guidry says more charges may follow as the investigation continues.
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