By Monique Roth
L’Observateur

LAPLACE — A woman is in critical condition after an argument over money led to a shooting in LaPlace Monday night, authorities said.

St. John the Baptist Parish Sheriff’s Office deputies responded to the 100 block of Dove Street at 10:47 p.m. Monday after a shooting was reported. According to authorities, responding deputies located the victim in the driveway of a residence on Hawk Street.

Deputies identified the victim as a 46-year-old female, saying she sustained multiple gunshot wounds to the torso. Sgt. Dane Clement said she was taken to LSU Medical Center, where she remains in critical condition.

According to authorities, witnesses identified the shooter as Dennis Johnson, 56, of LaPlace.

Witnesses told investigators the victim and Johnson lived in a Dove Street residence and were arguing about money Johnson owed the victim when he pulled out a handgun and shot her.

Witnesses said Johnson fled the scene on foot. Clement said investigators canvassed the area Monday to no avail.

Deputies responded to an area near the intersection of Dove Street and Cardinal Street at 6:31 a.m. Tuesday following a report of a man covered in mud walking in the area. When responding deputies located the man, they identified him as Johnson.

Upon contact, deputies saw Johnson had a cut on his head and reported Johnson told them his shoulder hurt.

Clement said Johnson was taken to Ochsner Medical Center in Kenner for treatment.

The investigation is ongoing and detectives are preparing an arrest warrant for judicial court approval for Johnson for attempted murder, Clement said.

Upon his release from the hospital, Clement said deputies would arrest Johnson on an outstanding contempt of court attachment for traffic violations.

Anyone with information regarding Monday’s shooting is encouraged to call the St. John the Baptist Parish Sheriff’s Office TIPS line at 985-359-TIPS or Crimestoppers at 504-822-1111. Tips can also be submitted at stjohnsheriff.com/submitatip.php.

Residents who call Crimestoppers do not have to testify in court and may qualify for a cash reward.