NEW ORLEANS, La — A shocking road rage incident in Tangipahoa Parish left a pregnant teenager critically injured after being shot in the head Sunday morning. Authorities have arrested 54-year-old Barry West of Tickfaw, who is now facing multiple charges.
According to the Tangipahoa Parish Sheriff’s Office, deputies responded to the scene around 9 a.m. Sunday on North Hoover Road near Ponchatoula. Investigators say West was involved in an altercation with a Ford Expedition carrying a 17-year-old pregnant victim and two other occupants. The vehicles were reportedly tailgating and brake-checking each other before West allegedly fired a shot into the SUV.
The bullet struck the teen in the front passenger seat, leaving her in critical condition. Emergency responders and the vehicle’s driver immediately transported her to a nearby hospital. Doctors performed an emergency C-section, successfully delivering the baby, who is now stable in a neonatal intensive care unit.
West was subsequently booked into the Tangipahoa Parish Jail on charges including four counts of attempted second-degree murder, one count of illegal use of a weapon, and obstruction of justice.
During questioning, West claimed he believed the occupants of the SUV had fired at him first. However, investigators found no evidence of other shots being fired and confirmed that no weapons were present in the Expedition. Authorities have emphasized that the shooting appears to have been unprovoked and entirely initiated by West.
The incident has left the Tangipahoa Parish community shocked and concerned about the dangers of road rage escalating into life-threatening violence. “This was a completely senseless act that could have claimed two lives,” said a spokesperson for the sheriff’s office. “We are relieved that the baby survived and hope the mother makes a full recovery.”
Authorities are continuing to investigate the circumstances surrounding the incident and have urged anyone with additional information or witnesses to come forward.
This case underscores the severe consequences of reckless and aggressive behavior on the road, with law enforcement reminding drivers to stay calm, avoid confrontations, and contact authorities instead of taking matters into their own hands.
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