Much of the rash of shootings in Shreveport over the past week is believed to be retaliation between rival gangs whose actions are fueled by drugs, guns and antagonistic social media, authorities with knowledge of the situation said Tuesday.
The homicides, attempted murders and shootouts have left six men dead and eight wounded. In one shootout, no one was injured but shots were fired into neighboring houses.
âItâs gangs, guns, drugs and rap,â said one person familiar with the rash of violence, who spoke on condition his name not be used because there are ongoing and sensitive investigations. âDrugs provide access to money, which buys guns, which allows them to shoot other people.â
SHREVEPORT, La. - A violent week in Shreveport has left six people dead and five others injured.
The latest death happened Saturday afternoon along Clanton Street where police arrived to find a man dead under a carport. Another man, found across the street was taken to the hospital but later died. No suspects have been identified but one person was detained for questioning.
The shooting unfolded hours after an early morning death on Interstate 20 westbound at the Jewella Avenue exit.
Eric Young of Irving, Texas, 30, was shot multiple times and died at the scene, according to the Caddo Parish Coroner s Office. Police said someone pulled along side Young s vehicle firing shots. Bullets also hit a second vehicle. The driver was not hurt.
         Three people have died.
The violence first started Tuesday in the 100 block of East Wichita in the Highland/Stoner Hill neighborhood.
Police say 25-year-old Fabian Alexander walked up and shot 57-year-old Robert Lemmon while he was sitting in a car. Lemmon was pronounced dead at the scene. Alexander faces a second-degree murder charge.
Shreveport Police declined an opportunity Friday for an interview with KTBS-3 News.
We also reached out to pastor Kenneth Thompson who works to stop violence in Shreveport.
âNo mother should have to feel this way,â Thompson said. âNo father, no son, no daughter. should have to fear and worry, if they go to the store, will they come back. if they go to the gas station will they get shot at the gas station. If I m sitting in my automobile and get shot mistakenly, unmistakenly, whatever it is, itâs not acceptable.â