By Monique Roth
L’Observateur

VACHERIE — A suspect was arrested Friday in connection with the shooting of a Vacherie man struck by a single bullet as he lay in his bed.

Authorities arrested Vacherie resident Lavell Gant, 38, for the attempted second-degree murder of Ansley Jackson.

St. James Parish Sheriff Willy Martin Jr. said Jackson was shot one time while he lay in his bed at 5:10 a.m. on May 27. Martin said Jackson was the intended victim of the shooting, and sustained a non-life threatening wound to the leg.

Due to the large amount of blood the victim had lost, Acadian Air Med was dispatched to transport Jackson by helicopter to LSU Interim Public Hospital in New Orleans.

Jackson is currently listed in stable condition at LSU Interim Public Hospital.

Detectives investigating the shooting were able to determine the victim had been involved in a confrontation with Gant, Martin said. After concluding the investigation at the crime scene, detectives went to Gant’s residence at 1218 Old Vacherie St. and discovered evidence directly linking Gant to the shooting, Martin said.

Gant was arrested on May 27 for illegal possession of a stolen firearm, carrying of a firearm by a convicted felon, disturbing the peace and aggravated assault. Further investigation led to the May 30 charge of attempted second-degree murder.

Martin said a bond of $175,000 was set for the attempted second-degree murder charge, and bond for all other charges totals $30,800.

Gant remains in custody.