Vernon Parish officials investigate drive-by shooting in New Llano
The Vernon Parish Sheriff’s Office is continuing its investigation into an apparent drive-by shooting that occurred in New Llano early Sunday morning.
According to Sheriff Sam Craft, a vehicle carrying four passengers was traveling south on U.S. Hwy 171 after leaving a bar in the Billy Goat Hill area when another vehicle traveling parallel to them pulled alongside them. Craft said an occupant of the second vehicle fired three shots into the first vehicle, striking the front passenger.
The driver of the first vehicle pulled the car into the parking lot of a store at the corner of U.S. 171 and La. Hwy 10, where an ambulance was located. The driver alerted the ambulance personnel to the injured passenger, who Craft said was suffering life-threatening injuries. After administering immediate care, the victim was taken to an area hospital before being transferred to Rapides Parish.
As of Tuesday, Craft said the victim was considered in serious, but stable condition.
The shooting is the second in the area since December. On Dec. 3, a shooting outside the Billy Goat Hill bar The Spot claimed the life of one man and injured two others.
The Spot has since been added to a list of off-limits locations for soldiers by the Fort Polk Disciplinary Board.