LAKE CHARLES, La. (KLFY) — A homecoming prank in Lake Charles turned into a nightmare Thursday when a teenage girl was hit by a car, authorities said.

The unidentified victim, a 16-year-old girl, was airlifted to a hospital out of town and is listed in critical but stable condition.

Calcasieu Parish Sheriff’s Office deputies were dispatched at approximately 11:40 p.m. Thursday to the 1700 block of Kevin Lane in Lake Charles in reference to a pedestrian and vehicle crash.

Investigators said there were several cars in the area with teenagers participating in unspecified homecoming-related pranks. According to witnesses, a resident came out of their home with a paintball gun and began shooting.

The teens began running back to the cars, and it is believed that the 16-year-old was attempting to get back into one of the vehicles when the driver, an adult, put the car in reverse and hit her, according to Calcasieu Parish Sheriff Stitch Guillory.

“Homecoming is meant to be a time of fun and celebration, but we’ve seen time and time again how quickly things can turn dangerous,” Guillory said. “What may start out as a prank can end in tragedy.  Some parents think that by participating in or supervising these activities, they are making it safer, but as we’ve seen things can still go wrong in an instant. I encourage parents to talk with their kids about making safe and responsible choices.”

The crash remains under investigation.

Latest news