Rayne Police responded on Friday to multiple shooting incidents believed to be connected to a 2019 homicide.
Police say the four shooting incidents took place within the span of an hour and thirty minutes.
Officers responded to the first shooting at 8:20pm near 7th Street on Friday, February 19. Minutes later at 8:27 pm officers were called to the intersection of Hoffpauir Street and Haley Alley to investigate a "shots fired" call.
They say that an hour and 30 minutes later, at 9:50 pm, a 15-year-old was shot on W. Edwards Street.
The 15-year-old was a passenger in a vehicle and was treated at a local hospital. The victim has since been released.
At 9:56 pm, officers were called to the 500 block of 4th Street where a residence was reportedly struck by rounds during a suspected drive-by shooting.
Investigators believe all four of the reported shootings were committed by two local groups of young men. Police say that both groups include individuals suspected of participating in other recent shootings in the area.
Police say the violence between these two groups is believed to be tied to a 2019 homicide case.
Chief Carroll Stelly is asking community members to assist officers by providing accurate information. With a collaborative effort between law enforcement and the community, he says the removal of those responsible for the shootings from the public can be expedited.
"I will not tolerate this behavior within our city," said Mayor Chuck Robichaux. "The public deserves better and expects better. We will prosecute to the fullest extent of the law to bring this reckless use of guns to settle arguments to an end."
Chief Stelly said that eyewitness evidence has been very difficult to obtain in regards to these recent shooting incidents.
Anyone with information on the shooting is asked to call Crime Stoppers of Acadia Parish at 789-TIPS or by using the P3 smartphone app.
The Department says that callers can remain anonymous and still be eligible for a reward if their information results in the arrests and conviction of offenders.
KATC went to the neighborhoods where the shooting happened trying to speak to neighbors, but nobody wanted to speak out of fear of being targeted.
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