Source: NPSO
A north Natchitoches Parish man in is jail while another is in a Shreveport hospital following a shooting near the Fairview Alpha community Monday, Nov. 16 at approximately 2:50 p.m. NATCOM 911 Center received a report from Christus Coushatta Health Care Center reporting a male suffering from a gunshot wound to both legs was being treated in the emergency room.
The victim, Joshua Bonnette, 40, of Campti reported he had been shot by Richard L. Weaver Jr. at Weaver’s residence on Red Giddens Road in the Fairview Alpha community during an alleged dispute over an animal. NPSO deputies and Criminal Investigations Bureau responded to the hospital to interview the victim, while two other detectives responded to the crime scene.
While at the hospital, detectives learned Weaver allegedly shot Bonnette in the leg during a dispute over an animal, then transported and left him at the hospital for treatment. The bullet entered the right leg and then traveled out through the left leg.
Bonnette was treated at Christus Coushatta Health Center and later transferred to a Shreveport hospital. Detectives continued the investigation. Shortly after detectives arrived on the crime scene, they made contact with Weaver. He was interviewed briefly then transported to the Criminal Investigations Division for further investigation.
Detectives seized a Black Hawk Ruger .357caliber handgun at the scene. During the interview, detectives obtained sufficient evidence and probable cause to arrest Weaver in connection with the shooting incident.
Richard L. Weaver Jr., 55, is charged with 1-Count of Felony Aggravated 2nd Degree Battery with a Firearm. Weaver remains in the Natchitoches Detention Center.
Cpt. D.Winder, Sgt. C. LaCour and Sgt. D. Sowell were assisted by Deputy J. Augustus in the investigation and arrest.
The case will be turned over to the Natchitoches Parish District Attorney’s Office for review.