Deputes determine shooting in Keithville was in self-defense

KEITHVILLE, La. (KSLA) – Deputies responded to reports of a shooting Friday morning (June 27).

It happened not long after 11 a.m. on Stagecoach Road just off Mansfield Road near Drag Strip Road. More than a dozen units from the sheriff’s office responded.

Officials with the Caddo Parish Sheriff’s Office say one person, identified as Joseph Whitaker, was shot in the upper body. His injuries are none-life-threatening, according to CPSO.

Whitaker was initially transported to Willis Knighton South by a private vehicle and was later transferred to Ochsner LSU Health.

Investigators arrived at the scene and determined that the victim had attempted to leave a heated verbal altercation by getting into his truck. However, Whitaker went up to his vehicle and began hitting him in the head.

The shooting happened not long after 11 a.m. on Stagecoach Road just off Mansfield Road near Drag Strip Road.

While the victim was being attacked, he pulled out a gun, in fear for his life and fired two shots at Whitaker. After firing, the victim left the scene but returned moments later when deputies arrived.

Following the investigation, it was determined that the victim acted in self-defense. Whitaker was issued a summons for simple battery at the hospital.