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HAMMOND, LA: The Tangipahoa Parish Sheriff’s Office reports the arrest of 21-year-old Terrence James of Hammond, following a shooting incident that occurred on South Airport Rd. Wednesday afternoon.

Around 3:00 pm on May 17, 2023, deputies responded to reports of shots being fired at a residence on S. Airport Road in Hammond. Chief Jimmy Travis reports upon arrival, deputies located a 16-year-old female victim lying on the ground with a gunshot wound to the leg. The suspect fled the scene prior to their arrival.

Preliminary investigation revealed the accused, 21-year-old Terrence James was attempting to break up a fight when he retrieved a gun and fired several shots into the ground in an attempt to stop the altercation. Consequently, one of the rounds inadvertently ricocheted and struck the female victim in the leg.

An arrest warrant was issued, and James was later taken into custody by the St. John Parish Sheriff’s Office around 10:30 pm that same evening.  James is charged with one count of Negligent injury and one count of Illegally discharging a firearm.

“Firing warning shots or firing a gun in the wrong direction, including into the ground is not only potentially dangerous, it’s always an extraordinary bad idea,” says Chief Travis. “To discharge a firearm under circumstances that endanger the life of another or to recklessly discharge a firearm is a felony in LA.  Depending upon the details of the incident, the person firing a warning shot could face felony charges.” Travis continued. “The safe handling of any firearm is paramount to prevent incidents like this.”

Travis extends his gratitude to the St. John Parish Sheriff’s Office for their assistance in locating James.

**All persons accused of a crime are considered innocent until proven guilty.