By Stephen Hemelt
L’Observateur

LAPLACE — Authorities have not identified any suspects following a shootout Sunday that caused damage throughout a LaPlace neighborhood.

St. John the Baptist Parish Sheriff’s Office deputies responded to the 1500 block of South Sugar Ridge Drive at 3:39 p.m. Sunday after gunshots were heard in the area.

When deputies arrived on the scene, they saw a truck, house and mailbox that were struck by bullets; however, no one was injured.

Sgt. Dane Clement said authorities are not releasing information on the number of shots fired and what weapons were used “because of investigative reasons.”

No motive has been made public.

Investigators received information a male subject exited a tan or gold Chevrolet Impala and exchanged gunfire with another male subject that was on foot.

A deputy that responded to the area located a parked car that matched the description of the car that fled the scene, and he identified two male subjects that were with the car.

A computer check on the subjects revealed Kendell Esko Jr., 22, of Delta Road in Reserve was wanted for failing to appear in court.

His original charges were three counts of aggravated criminal damage to property.

Deputies arrested Esko, and he bonded out Monday. He has not been charged in relation to Sunday’s shooting.

Deputies detained the other male subject for further investigation, but he was later released. Investigators towed the car to process it for evidence.

Anyone with information regarding the shooting is encouraged to call the St. John the Baptist Parish Sheriff’s Office TIPS line at 985-359-TIPS or Crimestoppers at 504-822-1111.