Cops say an angry man shot into a vehicle during a road rage back and forth in Tangipahoa Parish.
"The Tangipahoa Parish Sheriff’s Office (TPSO) has arrested a Tickfaw man accused of critically injuring a teenager who was 7 months pregnant," TPSO posted. "Barry West, 54, has been booked into the Tangipahoa Parish Jail on four counts of Attempted Second Degree Murder, one count of Illegal Use of a Weapon and Obstruction of Justice."
Investigators say West and the other driver came across each other Sunday morning.
"The 17-year-old victim was in a Ford Expedition with two other people traveling down North Hoover Road in the Ponchatoula area. They encountered West, who was driving a silver Dodge truck in the same direction. The investigation has determined after the two vehicles were tailgating and brake-checking each other, West shot one round into the Expedition traveling in front of him where the victim was seated in the front passenger seat."
The other driver called 911 and drove the victim to the hospital.
"It was determined while West believed the occupants of the vehicle in front of him had shot at him first, evidence has confirmed there were no other shots fired in the incident and there was no weapon in the vehicle the victim was traveling in."
Police say doctors delivered the baby via emergency C-section. The newborn is reportedly doing well in a NICU.
"At this time, the victim remains hospitalized in critical condition."
Media reports indicate her family is considering taking the victim off life support.
“This is a senseless tragedy on Sunday morning with no logical reason for this family to be experiencing this heartbreak right now,” said Sheriff Gerald Sticker, “The public has to be patient and considerate when driving, at all times, and if there is a concern for your safety, call 911 and report the concern.”
