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On Friday July 7, 2023, at 5:37 pm, the St. James Parish Sheriff’s Office received a call regarding a shooting that had taken place at the West Bank Reception Center located at 2455 LA 18 in Vacherie, LA. Deputies arrived on scene and discovered a six-year-old male child had been shot. The child, who was not the intended target, was transported to a local hospital. He is currently in stable, but guarded condition. After arriving at the scene, deputies quickly learned that the suspect vehicle fled the scene and was abandoned on Collins Street in Vacherie, in a wooded area. The suspect vehicle is a 2018 Blue Hyundai Sante Fe. It was reported stolen in New Orleans. An extensive widespread search using multiple deputies with K9’s and drones was unsuccessful. The shooting took place at the close of a bereavement ceremony being held at the West Bank Center. Detectives are continuing their investigation. Anyone having any information regarding this incident are encouraged to contact the St. James Parish Sheriff’s Office at 225-562-2200 or contact Crime Stoppers at 504-822-1111.