BREAKING: LPD Arrest Suspect In Connection With Jefferson St. Shooting
Lafayette Police have arrested one person in connection with the fatal shooting on Jefferson Street Saturday night, but are not certain that the fatal shots came from that suspect's weapon.
LPD Spokesman Karl Ratcliff said 17-year-old Deiondra Benjamin, of St. Martinville, was arrested after officers observed him firing a handgun as he fled the area after the initial shooting.
While still in the Downtown area, Benjamin was apprehended and was found to be in possession of a handgun.
Investigators have not determined that Benjamin was in the exact area of the fatal shooting, or responsible for the death of the victim, 23-year-old George Ford of New Iberia.
Benjamin has been charged with attempted second degree murder for firing a weapon toward a crowd of people. Ratcliff said he has not been charged in connection to the death of the victim.
The police department originally scheduled a press conference for 4 p.m. today to give these--and perhaps further--details. But the conference was cancelled because new leads developed in this case just moments before it was scheduled to be held.
"Investigators are following new leads and information to close this case as quickly and efficiently as possible," Ratcliff said.