UPDATE: St. Martinville Police Officers have identified that suspect in connection with a shooting that narrowly missed a preschooler.
That man was identified as Davontae Gardner.
Police responded on Wednesday, February 10, 2021, at approximately 11:30 am, to a shooting in the 300 block of S. Theater Street.
Upon arrival, officers learned a male subject fired several shots at a vehicle near the intersection of S. Theater St. and Honoree Street. Upon further investigation, officers say it was learned a bullet struck a nearby school with several small kids and staff inside.
Police believe Gardner may be armed and dangerous.
If anyone has any information related to this incident or knows the whereabouts Gardner, they are asked to contact the St. Martinville Police Department at 337-394-3001.
The St. Martinville Police Department shared a post yesterday following the incident:
"No one was injured; however, one of the bullets went into the smile head start building, almost striking a child. The school is currently on lockdown as we continue to speak to neighbors and attempt to locate witnesses and identify the suspect (s) We are working with the school board and school personnel to assure the protection of the children and staff," the post says. "This type of criminal behavior in our city needs to stop NOW! We have someone driving up to a vehicle, shooting at it, someone obviously shoots back and one of the bullet’s went through the wall of the smile head start. These criminals are putting our kids lives in danger to “be hard” or settle some sort of beef."
The child's mother spoke with KATC and said her child was sitting in his classroom with 11 classmates when the bullet went into the building. She adds the child was taken to a local hospital, but he is doing okay.
