By ROBIN SHANNON

Staff Reporter

RESERVE – St. John investigators are searching for two suspects who were involved in a home invasion and shooting in Reserve early Sunday morning, said a spokesman for the Sheriff’s Office.

Maj. Mike Tregre, public information officer for the Sheriff’s Office said two black males, armed with guns, made entry into a home in the 100 block of East 12th Street Extension Sunday around 5:25 a.m. Upon entry, the men encountered a 59-year-old man, who was asleep in the home with his wife and grandchild. One of the suspects hit the victim with his gun, and demanded money.

Tregre said at one point during the attack, the victim was able to retrieve his own handgun, and opened fire on the suspects, who fled the scene once shots were fired. He said during the exchange of gunfire, the victim had sustained a gunshot wound to his left shoulder. The victim, whose name was not released, was transported to a local hospital for treatment of his injuries. The wife and grandchild were not injured in the attack.

Tregre said St. John authorities have enlisted the help of other local law enforcement agencies in locating one of the suspects, who was believed to have been injured during the incident. He said investigators located a trail of blood leading away from the residence.

Tregre said a few hours after sending out the bulletin, the St. John Sheriff’s Office received a call from New Orleans Police, who said a 16-year-old male from St. John was at a New Orleans area hospital seeking treatment for gunshot wounds. New Orleans Police said the boy’s condition was deteriorating rapidly.

Tregre said detectives have not determined if the boy was involved in Sunday’s shooting, and said the investigation is ongoing. Anyone with information should contact the St. John Sheriff’s Office at 985-652-6338.