Movie money rings up shotgun blast in deal gone bad

Published 12:13 am Wednesday, June 21, 2017

LAPLACE — Movie money didn’t lead to a storybook ending during a late-night LaPlace transaction that involved a shotgun blast, one arrest and the search for a second suspect.

According to the St. John the Baptist Parish Sheriff’s Office, Marquavious Williams, 18, of Kenner drove to LaPlace Thursday evening to complete a paintball gun sale.

Authorities said Williams set the transaction in motion via the OfferUp app.

After the transaction, Williams left the area before realizing he was paid with counterfeit money, police said, leading Williams to return to the sale location in the 1800 block of Lee Drive at approximately 11:15 p.m. and engage in a brief argument with the buyer.

The buyer has not been identified, according to the Sheriff’s Office.

“Williams then opened the trunk of his vehicle and was retrieving a shotgun when the gun went off,” a Sheriff’s Office release said.

Patrol deputies responded to the area, locating a subject in a black sedan and identifying Williams as the driver.

A search warrant was obtained and a gun was located on the front seat of the vehicle, police said, adding deputies also located a shotgun on the ground under an 18-wheeler parked in the Airline Athletic Center lot.

No injuries were reported, and Williams was booked with illegal use of weapons. He posted a $4,800 bond and was released Sunday.

“Detectives are seeking the identity of the buyer; and upon identification, the buyer will be charged,” Sheriff’s Office spokeswoman Angel Thompson said. “Further investigation showed the fake money is actually known as ‘prop money’ for movies. The investigation is ongoing.”