17-year-old suspect arrested after 6 teens shot during party in Louisiana

LAKE CHARLES, La. (KPLC/Gray News) - Six teenagers were shot during a party at a home in Lake Charles, Louisiana, KPLC reports.

Deputies with the Calcasieu Parish Sheriff’s Office identified 17-year-old Artavien Green, of Lake Charles, as the supect in the shooting, which broke out at a Halloween party after a fight around midnight.

Green was taken into custody about 8 p.m. Sunday, according to sheriff’s office spokeswoman Kayla Vincent. He is charged with five counts of aggravated second-degree battery; attempted second-degree murder; illegal possession of a handgun by a juvenile; and illegal use of a dangerous weapon during a crime of violence.

“Last night around midnight the sheriff’s office received a call of a large disturbance at 464 Bruce Drive in Lake Charles,” said Chief Deputy and Sheriff-Elect Stitch Guillory.

Guillory said it’s believed that sometime before that midnight call, the suspect arrived with a gun and began shooting. Six victims were shot in total, with four of those being juveniles.

The victims range in age from 15 to 19 years old.

Five of the victims were to a local hospital, while one had more severe injuries and was airlifted to a hospital out of town. That person is listed in critical condition.

Many are now left wondering if any adults were present at this party.

“It’s my understanding that some adults were present. They had chaperones there, from what I understand. But, you know, that many kids at a house party, it’s almost impossible to chaperone that,” Guillory said.

Guillory could not confirm if alcohol was present at the scene.

KPLC spoke with a parent, Kayla Snyder, who said her child really wanted to attend the party.

“I just know that it is sad whenever children can no longer be children without the fear of things like this happening. My daughter begged to go, now I am just grateful she didn’t,” she said. “Even the ones not injured will be traumatized by the shooting. It is heartbreaking. As a parent, my heart hurts for the ones who got the call in the middle of the night.”