RAPIDES PARISH, La. (KALB) - A person accidentally shot themself in the head while riding in a vehicle on US-71 South, according to the Rapides Parish Sheriff’s Office.
According to RPSO, deputies were alerted to the incident around 2:20 a.m. on January 19, which occurred in a vehicle traveling north on US-71 near US-167, just south of Lecompte.
RPSO learned that a passenger in the vehicle was handling a gun when they fired it and shot themself in the head. The person driving called 911 and was told to meet the ambulance in the parking lot of Rapides High School.
Pafford EMS arrived on the scene and determined the person who was shot was not breathing and unresponsive. The Rapides Parish Coroner’s Office pronounced the person dead.
The identity of this person has not been disclosed.
RPSO is investigating the matter, but they said evidence so far indicates this was a tragic accident and no foul play was involved. Anyone with information can contact RPSO’s Criminal Investigation Division – Main Office at 318-473-6727, or RPSO Main Office at 318-473-6700.
https://www.kalb.com/2026/01/20/person-accidentally-shoots-self-head-us-71/