The Natchitoches Parish Sheriff’s Office is currently investigating a shooting that left a 16-year-old victim in critical condition. NPSO detectives are still investigating Tuesday afternoon’s shooting in the Payne subdivision.

Sheriff Stuart Wright reports that NPSO Patrol Operations Bureau deputies responded to a report of shots fired in the 100 block of Keith Drive around 5:44 p.m. on September 24, 2024.

While responding to the scene, a detective intercepted a private vehicle that was transporting a 16-year-old gunshot victim. Five sheriff’s detectives and patrol deputies responded to the crime scene and Natchitoches Regional Medical Center.

At the hospital, it was determined that the juvenile victim was suffering life-threatening injuries. The juvenile victim was later transported to a regional trauma center in critical condition.

Authorities say more than 40 bullet casings were recovered. It is believed that the suspects fled the scene before law enforcement arrived. Sheriff Wright confirms detectives executed a search warrant at a location near Natchitoches to look for evidence in the case.

No other details are available at this time. Anyone with information is asked to contact the Criminal Investigations Bureau at 318-357-7830 or Crime Stoppers at 318-238-2388.