LULING — A Luling man is facing three attempted murder charges after authorities said he shot his father-in-law during an early morning exchange of gunfire that had the makings of more violence.

St. Charles Parish Sheriff Greg Champagne said William Canada Jr., 30, of Luling was arrested this morning after a shootout at his in-law’s residence on Lac Verret Drive in Luling.

Champagne said Canada’s estranged wife was staying with her parents.

Due to text messages sent to Canada’s estranged wife that raised concerns, Champagne said the father-in-law spent the night in the living room out of caution.

At approximately 4 a.m. Tuesday, the father-in-law observed Canada on the porch of the residence with two gas cans and a Molotov cocktail.

Champagne said Canada immediately began shooting through the doors and windows of the residence numerous times. The estranged wife’s father was able to return fire, at least two shots, before suffering a gunshot wound to the chest.

Canada fled the scene in a white truck, and Champagne said responding deputies located him leaving the subdivision and took him into custody without incident.

Canada was uninjured.

Three people were home during the incident: Canada’s estranged wife and her mother and father. The father, who was the only one injured, was taken to University Hospital, where he was treated and released.

Canada is being held in Nelson Coleman Correctional Center on no bond for three counts of attempted murder.