DENHAM SPRINGS, La. (BRPROUD) – Four men, one from Baton Rouge, two from Denham Springs, and one from Ponchatoula, were arrested on Sunday by the Livingston Parish Sheriff’s Office in connection to a shooting that happened on Saturday.
Deputies responded to the 25,000 stretches of Highway 16 in Denham Springs around 3 p.m. and found an injured victim. The sheriff’s office says that the victim has non-life-threatening injuries.
Through an investigation, deputies learned that four men met a convenience store off the highway for an alleged drug deal but the incident resulted in a robbery. The sheriff’s office says that a verbal fight turned into a physical one. One person fired their gun twice, hitting the victim in his torso and arm.
Sheriff Jason Ard says that the victim, a 22-year-old man, is in stable condition.
“At the end of the day, evidence points to a robbery during what is believed to be a narcotics exchange with weapons in the parking lot of a convenience store during daylight hours on a holiday weekend. Thankfully, no one else was hurt,” Ard said.
Three suspects were booked into the Livingston Parish Detention Center.
Daniel Valdez, 27 from Denham Springs, was charged with felon in possession of a firearm, aggravated battery, and possession with intent to distribute Schedule II narcotics.
Christian York, 23 from Denham Springs, was charged with attempted second-degree murder, illegal use of a weapon, and possession of Schedule II narcotics.
Coby Fry, 23 from Baton Rouge, was charged with illegal use of a weapon, attempted second-degree murder, and possession of Schedule II narcotics.
Jimmy-Drake Lee, 22, from Ponchatoula, was charged with simple robbery, obstruction of justice, and possession with intent to distribute Schedule II cocaine.
Anyone with information should contact LPSO at (225)-686-2241 or Capital Region Crime Stoppers at (225) 344-STOP.