Shooting Incident on Sapphire Street
Opelousas, LA – This evening at approximately 6:05 PM, the Opelousas Police Department
responded to a shooting incident in the 500 block of Sapphire Street. Upon arrival, officers
discovered a twenty-one-year-old male suffering from a single gunshot wound to the leg.
Through the course of their investigation, officers learned that a sixteen-year-old juvenile was in
possession of a firearm and accidentally shot the twenty-one-year-old. Officers quickly gathered
information on the juvenile’s location and apprehended him a block away from where the
incident occurred.
The sixteen-year-old has been charged with Negligent Injury and Possession of a Handgun by a
Juvenile. The injury sustained by the twenty-one-year-old is believed to be non-life-threatening.
The Opelousas Police Department urges anyone with information regarding this incident to
come forward and assist with the investigation. We also remind the public that any information
provided will be treated with the utmost confidentiality. Chief Graig LeBlanc and the Opelousas
Police Department emphasize its commitment to ensuring the safety and security of the
community and will continue to diligently investigate this matter. Anyone with information
regarding this crime or any other crime is urged to contact the Opelousas Police Department at
337-948-2500. Information can also be submitted anonymously through Crime Stoppers at 337-
948-TIPS, via email at crimetips@opelousaspd.com, or through the P3 mobile App. Tipsters
may be eligible to receive a cash reward of up to $2500.00 for information leading to the
identification and apprehension of those responsible.
As the investigation progresses, OPD will continue to provide updates and release more
information as it becomes available.
For media inquiries or further information, please contact:
Joe Anderson/PIO
337-948-2513
