AN UPDATE:
According to Eunice Chief of Police Randy Fontenot, at 11:49 a.m. Monday, the Eunice Police responded to a report of a shooting at the intersection of South Martin L. King, Jr. Drive and East Maple Avenue.
The victim, a 21-year old male, was riding a bicycle east bound on E. Maple Avenue. A vehicle pulled up beside him and, according to witnesses, 7 to 10 shots rang out from the vehicle. The victim was struck once in the side. He was transported to Acadian Medical Center in Eunice where he succumbed to his wounds.
The victim has been identified as De’Omaante K. “D Gotti” Frank of Eunice.
The Eunice Police Department have been actively interviewing people of interest and witnesses. The shooting appears to be a retaliatory gang action. Players in the investigation have histories of prior shootings in Eunice.
Central Middle School, because of its location at that intersection, was placed on lock-down purely as a precaution. No students were injured or involved.
No further information is being released at this time pending investigation.
Chief Fontenot, added, “I also want to acknowledge the assistance of the Eunice City Marshal’s Office for assisting in the response and investigation and Louisiana State Police Troop I for assisting in patrolling the city following the shooting and their response to the shooting as well.”
Police are asking that anyone with information on this or any other criminal activity, please call Eunice Police at 337-457-2626 or Crime Stoppers at 337-948-TIPS or on the P3 app at www.p3tips.com.
EARLIER REPORTED: A shooting occurred nearby Central Middle School today at approximately 12:15 p.m. According to Eunice Police Chief Randy Fontenot, one person has been transported to the hospital with a gunshot wound.
Chief Fontenot said earlier, “Eunice police are investigating a shooting at the intersection of S. Martin Luther King Drive and E. Maple Avenue near Central Middle School. The scene was secured. No students were involved. The school was locked down as a precaution.”
Fontenot said the shooter is not in custody.