ST. MARY PARISH, La. — The St. Mary Parish Sheriff’s Office continues its investigation into a gunfire incident that occurred in the Sorrell area Friday evening.
According to deputies, the incident was reported on Friday, January 23, 2026, at approximately 6:20 p.m., when patrol deputies and detectives responded to a call of shots fired. Upon arrival, investigators learned that an individual had already been transported to a local hospital with gunshot wounds.
Detectives later made contact at the hospital with a 21-year-old male who was being treated for non-life-threatening gunshot injuries. Investigators also interviewed an 18-year-old male, identified as Jose Antonio Martinez of Charenton, who reportedly transported the victim to the hospital in a personal vehicle.
As the investigation progressed and evidence related to Martinez’s alleged involvement was collected, he was taken into custody and transported to the St. Mary Parish Law Enforcement Center.
Martinez was arrested on January 24, 2026, at approximately 1:45 a.m. and booked on the following charges:
Illegal use of weapons or dangerous instrumentalities
Criminal damage to property
Possession of marijuana
Illegal carrying of a weapon in the presence of a controlled dangerous substance
Sheriff’s officials say the investigation remains ongoing, and additional information will be released as it becomes available.
Anyone with information related to this incident is encouraged to submit tips through the St. Mary Parish Sheriff’s Office website at stmaryso.com/crime-tip.
