Featured Photograph: Opelousas Police Chief Martin McLendon (Photograph by Bobby Ardoin)
Editor’s Note: Opelousas Police Chief Martin McLendon has detailed a list of police department responses to gun violence reports during the last week and the way his officers handled the calls.
Multiple calls from citizens as it relates to hearing shots fired in different locations of the city have resulted in several persons injuries from those shootings . Below are a chronicle of calls that officers responded to and investigators were called out for additional investigation related to these shootings.
Monday, October 3rd, heard gunshots in the 1300 block of Park View Drive. Moments later a 29 year old male is being treated for a gunshot wound
Reports of shots fired in the Ina Clare Drive area. No evidence found
1300 block of Gloston Street, multiple rounds fired hitting a home and car. No injuries. Warrant for suspect is active
Tuesday, October 4th, multiple gunshots fired by several suspects that can be seen walking in the area and fleeing after the shooting. One person was transported to the hospital with several gunshot wounds. Non was life threatening. Officers are working leads in this case to identify the suspects.
Wednesday, October 5th, reports of shots fired in the area of Colorado and Blanchard Avenue. Victim at the hospital with a gunshot wound to the right arm. One person was arrested and charged with Illegal Carrying of Weapons after seeing walking with a rifle. It is not know at this time if he is the shooter in this complaint.
Thursday, October 6th, reports of shots fired in the Patsy Street area but no evidence found in that area. Reports of shots fired Cheney and Oak Streets area but no evidence found in that area.
Friday, October 7th suspects fired from a vehicle, hitting a targeted apartment in addition to two other homes in the area. No injuries to persons. Video surveillance is available and is being reviewed.
Saturday, October 8th, reports of gunshots heard in the Arkansas Ave and Blanchard Street area. No evidence of gunshots in that area.
Leo and Larry Streets Officers responded to gunshots. Two persons are being treated for gunshot wounds. Two apartments were hit by gunfire. No suspects at this time.
Over the last several days OPD has responded to all of these shootings in addition to other calls for service. The entire department have been placed on high alert with night patrolling to focus strictly on gun violence and to get in the areas where the possible suspects are. In addition to this, our city surveillance cameras will be installed throughout strategic locations to help assist and identify persons who are causing harm to our citizens. We are determined to confront and arrest any persons that is causing violence to erupt in our neighborhoods. Citizens are asked to call in anything they see or hear so that we can combat this
Lastly I want to plead with parents and concerned citizens to understand that all of these shootings involve young men. Please try and save your sons life from prison or death by calling Opelousas Police Department if you have a sense of something happening in your neighborhoods.
Chief Martin McLendon ask anyone with any information related to these shooting to contact the Opelousas Police Department at 337-948-2500, crimetips@opelousaspd.com or through Crime Stoppers (337-948-TIPS, www.stlandrycrimestoppers.com or by using the P3 mobile App.) Tipsters can remain anonymous. Tipsters can receive up to a $1000.00 cash reward.
