By ROBIN SHANNON

L’Observateur

LAPLACE — Authorities in St. John Parish are looking for suspects and possible victims involved in an apparent shootout in LaPlace Friday afternoon, according to a spokesman for the Sheriff’s Office.

Deputies responding to a call of shots fired in the 300 block of Elm Street just before 1:45 p.m. discovered a pair of bullet-riddled vehicles in a nearby ditch, said Capt. Dane Clement, public information officer for the Sheriff’s Office. Clement said both vehicles had spent bullet casings inside, indicating a shootout.

According to a release from the Sheriff’s Office, the caller told authorities that possible suspects involved in the shooting were seen running from Elm Street toward Joe Parquet Circle. Clement said deputies and detectives searched the area for victims, suspects, and witnesses. He said no victims were located.

Witnesses told investigators two parties exchanged gunfire and both parties fled the scene on foot, Clement said. Investigators do not know how many subjects were involved in the shooting.

Detectives checked various area hospitals for walk-in patients with gunshot wounds, but nothing was reported as of Monday, Clement said. Detectives are continuing to interview witnesses to gather more information.

Anyone with information regarding this incident should call St. John detectives at 985-652-2773 or 985-652-6338.