LAPLACE – Authorities are searching for an alleged armed robber who shot his fleeing hold-up victim in the left torso with a shotgun, the St. John Sheriff’s Office reports.

At approximately 9:45 p.m., the shotgun-wielding suspect approached the victim near English Colony Drive and Revere Drive and told the victim to give him money.

The victim dashed away in an effort to escape when the robber opened fire on the victim as shotgun pellets ripped through the victim’s left torso.

The gunman fled the scene before a friend drove the bloodied victim to River Parishes Hospital.

The suspect was allegedly between 6 foot, 2 inches and 6 foot, 4 inches tall with a slim build, dreadlocks, black pants and a black shirt, according to the victim’s statement to police.

Anyone with information is asked to contact the St. John Sheriff’s Office at 652-9513.