OPD: Arrest made in Tuesday morning drive-by shooting, police still searching for other suspect
UPDATE 7/6/23 8:27 p.m.: Opelousas Police have made an arrest in connection with the drive-by shooting on Martin Luther King Drive Tuesday morning.
Thursday, officers arrested Zkeria Francis, 19, of Opelousas, for her involvement in the crime, authorities said. She has been booked into the St. Landry Parish Jail on two counts of Principal to Attempted 1st Degree Murder and two counts Principal to Illegal Use of a Weapon or Dangerous Instrumentalities.
Police are also looking for Johnathan "Red" Joseph, Jr., of Opelousas, for his role in the crime. He is facing the following charges: two counts of Principal to Attempted 1st Degree Murder, two counts of Principal to Illegal Use of a Weapon or Dangerous Instrumentalities, Aggravated Criminal Damage to Property and Illegal Possession of a Firearm by a Convicted Felon.
Officers believe Francis and Joseph conspired to have the victim arrive to a specific location where Joseph then shot at the vehicle that the victim and one passenger were riding in.
Opelousas Police ask anyone with any information related to this shooting or to the whereabouts of Johnathan "Red' Joseph Jr. to contact the Opelousas Police Department at 337-948-2500, crimetips@opelousaspd.com or through Crime Stoppers (337-948-TIPS, **TIPS on a mobile phone, www.stlandrycrimestoppers.com or download the P3 mobile App.) Tipsters will remain anonymous. Tipsters will receive a $2,500 cash reward.
Original story below:
OPELOUSAS, La. (KLFY) -- Opelousas Police are investigating a drive-by shooting on Martin Luther King Drive Tuesday morning, authorities said.
Police said information provided by the victim and witnesses placed the the shooting near the intersection of Martin Luther King Dr. and Garland Avenue at about 5 a.m. Tuesday. One unidentified adult male victim suffered a serious gunshot wound to his arm, according to police.
Authorities said the victim and a passenger were driving through the area when gunshots came from another vehicle in the area. The victim was able to drive to a local hospital, where he is being treated for what is described as a serious injury which is not considered life-threatening.
Police said investigators are currently reviewing surveillance footage to gather more information about the shooting.
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, **TIPS on a mobile phone, stlandrycrimestoppers.com or download the P3 mobile App.) Tipsters will remain anonymous. Tipsters will receive a $2,500 cash reward.