On Friday, February 17, at approximately 10:50 pm, the Berwick Police Department responded to calls of multiple shots fired in the area of the Highway 90 bridge. After receiving the calls, it was learned that Morgan City Police Department had received a call from Ochsner St. Mary that there were three shooting victims that arrived at the hospital.
After further investigation, it was learned the shooting had taken place in Berwick on the bridge near the Berwick exit. Berwick investigators, with the assistance of the St. Mary Parish Sheriff’s office and Morgan City Police Department, closed the westbound side of the Highway 90 bridge in order to work the crime scene. Several shell casings were located and recovered on the scene.
Three males were struck by gunfire, including one victim who was hospitalized for his injuries, but in stable condition. The other two victims, including a 8-year-old child, were released. A fourth occupant in the vehicle that was not struck was also a child.
The Berwick Police Department has not released any information regarding a suspect or suspects at this time
Berwick Police Chief David Leonard said, “I would like to stress that the ongoing violence in our communities show that these individuals have total disregard for life. Our communities need to take a stand against these acts of gun violence that is now in our own backyards. Berwick Police is asking that this violence be stopped, and witnesses come forward with information and let the investigators handle it. Too many times the criminals want to handle these incidents themselves by retaliating. This is unfortunate, because the vicious cycle will continue until someone decides enough is enough.”
The investigation into the shooting is ongoing and investigators are asking that anyone with information please contact Berwick Police Department at 985-384-7710. All callers with information can remain anonymous.