Update to yesterday’s story. (click to see original story: https://www.stlandrynow.com/breaking-news/opd-investigating-east-landry-st-shooting/)
An arrest has been made of an individual responsible for the shooting incident that occurred near the Mama’s Fried Chicken Restaurant on E. Landry St. in Opelousas. On 4.2.23. Nicolas Sam age: 30 of Washington La. has been booked on the following charges for his part in the Sunday afternoon shooting:
- Attempted 2nd degree murder (3 counts).
- Illegal possession of a firearm by a person convicted of certain felonies.
A warrant for the arrest of Joseph Ryan Dugas age:24 of Opelousas has been issued for the following charges for his part in the Sunday afternoon shooting:
- Illegal use of a weapon or dangerous Instrumentalities (3 Counts).
- Illegal possession of a firearm by a person convicted of certain felonies.
Further investigation into the incident revealed that Sam an employee of Mama’s exited the business and fired shots at Dugas’s vehicle as he was driving away from the restaurant after the previously described altercation that occurred between a female employee of mama’s and a female passenger in Dugas’s vehicle. Dugas returned fire towards the restaurant striking the business several times.
The females involved in the physical altercation are both being charged with disturbing the peace by fighting.
It is unfortunate that this confrontation resulted in the reckless discharge of firearms that endangered countless innocent persons who may have been in the immediate area. It is becoming far to common for opposing parties to attempt to resolve their conflicts with firearms. The Opelousas Police Department will investigate and charge all persons who engage in such reckless acts of violence. Discharging a firearm in a manner where it is foreseeable that innocent persons could receive serious or fatal injury can result in severe consequences for those who commit such acts. More charges are possible as this investigation is ongoing.
Opelousas Police ask anyone with any information related to this shooting or the whereabouts of Joseph R. Dugas, or any other parties involved 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
“ All persons are presumed innocent until proven guilty”
