LAPLACE — A local teenager was shot and robbed of his backpack and gaming system this week, authorities said.

St. John Sheriff Mike Tregre said the victim, a 17-year-old male, told deputies he was walking in the area of West Second Street and Satsuma Street in LaPlace when he passed a group of male subjects.

“The subjects in the group called out to him, but he ignored them,” Tregre said in a release. “He felt his backpack being pulled from his shoulders. When he turned to defend himself, one of the subjects produced a gun and shot the victim in the left hand.”

The victim fled the scene on foot and contacted his mother, who brought him to a Kenner hospital.

Tregre said the victim reported the stolen backpack held a gaming system, two video games and cash.

Authorities interviewed him Wednesday night at the hospital after medical staffers were alerted he had been shot in LaPlace.

Anyone with information regarding the 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. Those with information who call Crimestoppers do not have to testify and may qualify for a cash reward.

Residents can also submit tips at stjohnsheriff.org/submitatip.php.