Authorities looking for LaPlace gunplay participants
Published 2:28 pm Tuesday, June 9, 2015
LAPLACE — A local man is behind bars, and authorities are searching for more suspects after gunshots were reported in LaPlace and a vehicle was struck.
St. John the Baptist Parish Sheriff’s Office deputies responded to the intersection of Van Arpel Drive and Heather Lane in LaPlace at 10:06 p.m. Friday after gunshots were heard in area.
Deputies found a bullet hole in a truck parked in the driveway of a nearby residence, but no one was reported injured, Sheriff Mike Tregre said in a release.
On video captured from crime cameras, detectives saw a car leaving the immediate area of Van Arpel Drive and Heather Lane.
“With the video from crime cameras, detectives identified the vehicle and subsequently identified the driver of the car as John Smith, 33, of Greenwood Drive in LaPlace,” Tregre said.
Smith was booked with principal to illegal use of a weapon and an outstanding attachment. He remains in custody in lieu of a $4,650 bond.
Smith has been arrested 18 times in St. John the Baptist Parish since February 2001, Tregre said.
Authorities stressed detectives are trying to identify all parties involved in the shooting. Anyone with information is encouraged to call the Sheriff’s Office TIPS line at 985-359-TIPS or Crimestoppers at 504-822-1111.
Those who call Crimestoppers do not have to testify in court and may qualify for a cash reward.