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Photograph: 19 Year old Jashawn Laws of Opelousas was booked into the St. Landry Parish Jail.

Update: One adult has been taken into custody in regards to the shooting that left a 16 year old female in the hospital with a serious leg injury. 19 Year old Jashawn Laws of Opelousas was booked into the St. Landry Parish Jail on the following charges:

  1. Illegal use of a weapon or dangerous instrumentalities
  2. Negligent Injuring
  3. Contributing to the delinquency of  a juvenile

   Early investigation revealed that the 16 year old victim of this shooting received her injury after Laws began recklessly firing a rifle caliber firearm from inside a vehicle which he and the female victim were both passengers in. It was learned that laws may have been firing the weapon allegedly in defense of shots being fired by an unknown assailant toward the vehicle they were riding in. There was a total of six individuals riding in the vehicle in question. (2) adults and (4) minors. A total of three firearms were seized during the investigation so far. All minors involved will likely be facing curfew violation charges as well as illegal possession of  a firearm by at least (2) of the minors involved in the incident. Parents should do everything possible to monitor the activities of their minor children. Minors out after curfew hours routinely find themselves in situations that could result in unwanted consequences. Opelousas Police will be increasing its efforts to enforce the current juvenile curfew in the city of Opelousas. This investigation is ongoing and more arrest are possible.

Opelousas Police ask anyone with any information related to this 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.

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