Ponchatoula road rage incident leaves pregnant teen shot, critically injured: TPSO

PONCHATOULA, La. (WGNO) — A Tickfaw man was accused of critically injuring a 17-year-old who was seven months pregnant in a road rage incident on Sunday, Aug. 24.

According to the Tangipahoa Parish Sheriff’s Office, 54-year-old Barry West was arrested and booked into the Tangipahoa Parish Jail and faces four counts of attempted second-degree murder, one count of illegal use of a weapon and obstruction of justice.

TPSO officials said on Sunday, the 17-year-old was riding 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.

Deputies said the two vehicles were tailgating and brake-checking each other. West allegedly shot one round into the Expedition, striking the teen sitting in the front passenger seat. When the driver realized the victim was shot in her head, they called 911 and drove to the hospital.

TPSO officials said West allegedly believed the occupants of the vehicle shot at him first, though investigators said no other shots were fired in the incident and there was no weapon in the vehicle the victim was traveling in.

At this time, TPSO officials said the victim remains hospitalized and in critical condition. The baby was delivered in an emergency C-section and is doing well.

Deputies said charges will be upgraded if the victim’s condition worsens.

“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.

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