Crime
Multiple Victims Reported in Shooting at Mall of Louisiana in Baton Rouge
Authorities in East Baton Rouge Parish continue to respond to a multi-victim shooting at the Mall of Louisiana, where multiple individuals were injured during an incident near the mall’s food court.
The Baton Rouge Police Department confirmed that a total of six victims have been transported to area hospitals.
At least two of those individuals are reported to be in critical condition, while others sustained injuries of varying severity.
Emergency medical services established a triage area near the JCPenney entrance as first responders worked to treat victims and coordinate rapid transport to hospitals.
Paramedics and additional emergency personnel were dispatched to the scene as part of a large-scale response.
Preliminary information indicates the shooting occurred in or near the upper-level food court, where witnesses reported hearing multiple gunshots, triggering panic among shoppers and employees.
Law enforcement officials are currently searching for one to two suspects believed to be involved in the incident.
Authorities have reported two male suspects in connection with the incident. One individual was last seen wearing a black hoodie, while the second was described as wearing a blue hoodie.
It remains unclear whether the suspects have been apprehended.
Officers have secured the area and are restricting access to the mall, limiting entry points to emergency responders only as they continue to clear the building and ensure public safety.
Jeff Landry acknowledged the incident in a public statement, confirming that he is in communication with law enforcement officials and urging residents to avoid the area.
He also expressed concern for those affected and appreciation for the rapid response by first responders.
The situation remains active and under investigation, with authorities expected to release additional details as they become available.
Crime
17-Year-Old Javohn Pitts Critically Injured in Accidental Shooting During FaceTime Call in Elsmere, Kentucky
A 17-year-old teenager, identified as Javohn Pitts, remains in critical condition after being shot in the head during an incident involving a handgun at a residence in Elsmere, Kentucky, on Saturday. Police say the shooting appears to have occurred while two juveniles were showing the firearm to others during a FaceTime call.
The incident prompted an emergency response in Northern Kentucky and left the teenager with potentially life-threatening injuries. He was transported by helicopter to a Cincinnati hospital, where he continues to receive medical treatment.
According to the Elsmere Police Department, officers were dispatched to a reported shooting in the 100 block of Garvey Avenue early Saturday afternoon.
When first responders arrived, they found Javohn Pitts suffering from a gunshot wound to the head. Due to the seriousness of his injuries, emergency personnel arranged for him to be airlifted to University of Cincinnati Medical Center.
Pitts remains hospitalized in critical condition, according to the information provided by police. Authorities have not released further details about his medical condition or prognosis.
During their investigation, police recovered a 9mm handgun from the residence.
Investigators believe the shooting happened while Pitts and another juvenile, who was acquainted with him, were displaying the handgun to other people during a FaceTime call. At some point during the incident, the firearm discharged, striking Pitts in the head.
Although the incident is being described as an apparent accidental shooting, authorities are continuing to investigate the circumstances surrounding the discharge and the events leading up to it.
A juvenile suspect was subsequently arrested in connection with the incident. Police reported that the suspect was acquainted with Pitts and has been charged with second-degree assault with a deadly weapon.
Because the individual is a juvenile, authorities have not publicly released the suspect’s identity.
The investigation remains ongoing, and additional information about the incident may be released as authorities continue reviewing the evidence.
Police are asking anyone who may have information about the shooting to contact the Kenton County Emergency Communication Center at 859-356-3191 or the Elsmere Police Department at 859-474-4785.
Information from witnesses or anyone familiar with the circumstances may help investigators establish a clearer account of what happened inside the Garvey Avenue residence.
At just 17 years old, Javohn Pitts is facing a serious medical battle following the shooting. His critical condition has left those who care about him hoping for positive news as he receives treatment.
The incident is also a sobering reminder of the dangers associated with handling firearms, particularly when a weapon is displayed or handled without proper safety precautions. A firearm can discharge unexpectedly, with consequences that may permanently change lives.
As the investigation continues, thoughts remain with Javohn Pitts, his family, and everyone hoping for his recovery. May he receive the care and support he needs during this difficult time.