An adult male in Shreveport, Louisiana went on a shooting spree, leaving eight children dead, and others injured across multiple locations early Sunday. While the suspect has not been identified yet, police shared first details on the possible motive.
First details on Shreveport suspect
The suspect, identified only as an adult male, was killed following a police chase into nearby Bossier Parish after allegedly fleeing the initial shootings and stealing a vehicle. Officers opened fire during the pursuit. None of the responders were injured.
10 people shot, 8 kids dead
Police said 10 people were shot in total, including eight children between the ages of about 1 and 14. Some of the victims were related to the gunman, according to investigators.
Read More: Shreveport shooting update: 5 things to know as 8 kids, suspect killed in domestic dispute
The violence began at two homes south of downtown Shreveport, with a third related location later identified as part of the wider crime scene.
“This is an extensive scene unlike anything most of us have ever seen,” said police spokesperson Chris Bordelon. “Some of the children inside were his descendants,” he added.
Two other people were struck by gunfire, but their conditions were not immediately known.
Why Shreveport suspect opened fire on Sunday
According to authorities, the suspect left the scene after the shootings and carried out a carjacking nearby before being tracked by officers. The chase led into Bossier Parish, where police confronted the suspect and fatally shot him.
Investigators added that the shootings appeared to have stemmed from a domestic incident. However, the exact trigger was not confirmed. “We do believe him to be the only individual that fired gunshots at these locations,” Bordelon said, calling the incident a “domestic disturbance.”
Read More: Shreveport shooting suspect: First details on shooter who killed 8 kids revealed; update on motive
At a press briefing near one of the homes, officials expressed shock over the scale of the tragedy.
“I just don’t know what to say, my heart is just taken aback,” Wayne Smith said. “I cannot begin to imagine how such an event could occur.”
“This is a tragic situation, maybe the worst tragic situation we’ve ever had,” Mayor Tom Arceneaux noted. “It’s a terrible morning.”
State police take over part of probe
The Louisiana State Police have been asked to lead the investigation into the officer-involved shooting that killed the suspect.
“This morning, shortly after 7:00 AM, Detectives with the Louisiana State Police Bureau of Investigations were requested by the Shreveport Police Department to investigate an officer-involved shooting following a pursuit into Bossier City on Brompton Lane. Investigators are working to process the scene and gather further information,” the state police said in a social media post.
“One subject was shot and has been pronounced dead. No officers were harmed during the incident. This is an active investigation; further information will be released when it becomes available.”
“Anyone with information and/or pictures and video is urged to share that information with LSP Detectives. You may anonymously report information through the Louisiana State Police online reporting system by visiting lsp.org and clicking on Report Suspicious or Criminal Activity, or calling the LSP Fusion Center Hotline at 1-800-434-8007.”
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