Abbeville, LA — Authorities are seeking the public’s help in solving a violent shoot-out that occurred Saturday at the intersection of IJ Joiner and Martin Luther King Drive. The incident left a woman injured after she was shot during a confrontation between two vehicles.
According to the Abbeville Police Department, the initial call came from a woman who reported that she had been shot and was driving herself to the hospital. Police quickly responded to the scene of the shooting and followed up at the hospital, where the victim was receiving treatment.
As the investigation unfolded, additional witnesses began to report hearing multiple gunshots from high-powered firearms in the area. Surveillance footage from community cameras showed two vehicles involved in the incident: an older black Chevrolet van with Texas plates and a late-model blue Dodge Charger with a Louisiana license plate.
The footage revealed a chaotic exchange of gunfire. Two individuals from the Charger exited the vehicle and opened fire on the van using a .223 rifle and a .40 caliber pistol. The suspect vehicle then fled the scene, with the van in pursuit. Police say the driver of the van returned fire through her windshield while being shot herself.
Despite her injuries, the driver managed to drive herself to Abbeville General Hospital before being transferred to a larger medical facility for further care. She was reportedly struck twice — once in the arm and once in the torso — during the incident.
The police quickly identified the vehicles involved, with the van registered to Don’s Wholesale. Using GPS tracking, authorities traced the van to the Sateen Royale Trailer Park in Carencro. Both vehicles were impounded for further evidence gathering.
“This case is still actively under investigation,” said Chief Hardy in a public statement. “We urge anyone with information regarding this crime or any other to come forward and help us bring those responsible to justice.”
The Abbeville Police Department is encouraging anyone with information to contact them at (337) 893-2511 or to anonymously tip through the Crime Stoppers of Vermilion by calling (337) 740-TIPS or using the P3 app, available for download on both the Apple App Store and Google Play Store.
The public’s assistance is vital as authorities work to piece together the details surrounding the shoot-out and ensure accountability for those involved.
Contact Information:
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Abbeville Police Department: (337) 893-2511
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Crime Stoppers of Vermilion: (337) 740-TIPS
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P3 App: Available for download on the Apple App Store and Google Play Store