St. Bernard Parish, LA (7/5/2023) – The St. Bernard Sheriff’s Office (SBPSO) is investigating a shooting that occurred Tuesday, July 4, 20223.
Shortly after 6 pm, Sheriff Pohlmann said, deputies responded to a call for service about a shooting in the 2300 block of Torres Drive in the St. Bernard community.
When deputies arrived on the scene, they came into contact with a 14-year-old female juvenile victim suffering from a graze wound to the head.
The female victim was transported to an area hospital to be treated for her injuries which appeared to be non-life threatening.
The suspect, identified as Justin Pritchard, 34, barricaded himself inside his home in the 2300 block of Torres Drive and refused to come out or communicate with deputies. Pritchard was taken into custody around 10 pm.
The victim’s family told WVUE the suspect had a history of using racial slurs; they said he yelled racial epithets before the single shot was fired.
According to family members, Pritchard suffers from mental health issues.
The Sheriff’s Office Special Weapons and Tactics or SWAT Team members are currently on the scene, the Sheriff said, and the investigation is ongoing.
Anyone with information regarding this incident is asked to call the St. Bernard Sheriff’s Office at (504) 271-2501, the Criminal Investigations Bureau’s tip hotline at (504) 271-TIPS or 8477, or Crimestoppers GNO at (504) 822-1111.
Callers to the CIB tip hotline or Crimestoppers can remain anonymous and could be eligible for a cash award from Crimestoppers.
