METAIRIE, La. (WGNO)— Jefferson Parish deputies began investigating a shooting that left two people injured and another in custody on Wednesday evening.
Around 6:00, WGNO was notified of the incident that reportedly happened at the Exxon/Circle K gas station at the intersection of Causeway Boulevard and West Napoleon Avenue in Metairie.
The store manager tells WGNO there were about a dozen people inside the store at the time of the shooting–fearing for their lives.
“It was repeatedly like shot after shot after shot,” said Tronell Walker, the assistant manager at Circle K.
Sheriff Joe Lopinto confirmed the suspect and another man got into an argument, and the suspect shot at the man, striking him and an innocent bystander.
“One of them pulled out a gun, fired numerous rounds here in the parking lot, striking the individual at least one time,” Lopinto explained.
As the shooting was happening, patrons in the Circle K were taking cover, fearing for their lives.
“A few of them ran back in because they were shooting right here by the pump,” said Walker.
Walker adds about a dozen people were inside the store during the shooting–including a baby.
“We’ve got the customers inside and I pushed some of them to the back,” Walker continued. “All we heard was the shots, and we actually had a lady with a baby, so it was really scary.”
Lopinto says his deputies were there within moments of the shooting, quickly taking the suspect into custody and recovering his gun.
“The sheriff’s office was actually here at the light, responding to a different call,” Lopinto explained. “They overheard the gunshots, not only saw the victim fall to the ground but were able to identify the perpetrator and made the stop on the scene.”
According to Lopinto, the man involved in the argument with the suspect was shot and taken to University Medical Center where he was last listed in critical condition. Two other cars were also struck by bullets, hitting an innocent bystander.
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