Opelousas Police are investigating two shootings in the city since Friday night that left two injured. One suspect has been identified and is currently wanted by police.
The first shooting occurred around 10 p.m. on Friday in the 500 block of Planters St. Police determined at least one adult female victim had received a minor injury to her face as a result of being struck by debris or shrapnel from several gunshots that struck the home she was occupying. More than 30 rounds of rifle and pistol rounds were fired during the incident, according to a spokesperson.
The home was occupied by two other persons, including a small child, at the time of the shooting. The female victim was brought to a local hospital but released shortly after. Police aren't certain if the victim was the intended target of the shooting.
Saturday morning at 8:30, OPD were called to the intersection of Pandora and Church Streets in regards to a second shooting, and found that one adult male victim received a gunshot wound to his back area. The victim was transported to a local hospital and is in serious condition.
33-year-old Thaddeus Thomas of Opelousas has been identified as a suspect in the second shooting and is wanted on one count of attempted second degree murder.
According to police, the victim in the second case is Thomas' uncle. The shooting may have been the result of an ongoing dispute between the victim and the suspect. Police believe Thomas is armed with a small caliber pistol. Anyone with information on Thomas' whereabouts is asked to contact Opelousas Police.
Anyone with information related to these or any other violent crime should contact OPD at 337-948-2500, crimetips@opelousaspd.com, or through Crime Stoppers at 948-TIPS.
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