In a tragic incident Wednesday, a young man lost his life in the Mooretown neighborhood of Shreveport. The Shreveport Police Department’s Violent Crimes Unit swiftly made an arrest, leading to the detention of a 16-year-old who is now facing serious charges.

Responding to reports of a shooting in the 4100 block of Via Street just before 6:00 p.m., Shreveport Police patrol officers discovered an 18-year-old victim with a fatal gunshot wound to the upper body. Despite efforts by the Shreveport Fire Department, the victim was pronounced deceased on the scene.

The investigation revealed that four individuals were inside a car in the block, and a 16-year-old in the backseat possessed what witnesses described as an AR pistol. Tragically, the weapon discharged while the juvenile was handling it, striking the front seat passenger in the back of the torso.

The Caddo Parish Coroner took custody of the decedent, and their identity will be released by the Coroner’s Office at a later time. The 16-year-old suspect was promptly photographed, fingerprinted, and booked into the Caddo Parish Juvenile Detention Center on one count of Illegal Use of a Weapon. As the investigation continues, there is a possibility that charges may be upgraded.

The Shreveport Police Department emphasizes the importance of responsible firearm handling, discouraging individuals from dealing with weapons they are not familiar with. This tragic incident serves as a stark reminder of the need for proper weapon storage and adherence to safety protocols when handling firearms.