Man Charged After Shooting at Emerald Palace Casino Injures Three

Man Charged After Shooting at Emerald Palace Casino Injures Three
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Jalen Ferguson, 22, of Port Allen. (Photo: West Baton Rouge Parish Sheriff's Office)

Port Allen, LA — A 22-year-old Port Allen man faces felony charges after a confrontation at the Emerald Palace Casino ended in gunfire Friday night, injuring three people.

Jalen Ferguson was arrested and booked into the West Baton Rouge Parish Detention Center on two counts of aggravated second degree battery following the incident, which occurred shortly after 10 p.m. on Lobdell Highway.

According to West Baton Rouge Parish Sheriff Jeff Bergeron, the shooting stemmed from an earlier confrontation. Two women traveled to Ferguson's Port Allen residence to confront him. When Ferguson and another woman left the residence, the two women followed them to the casino, where a physical altercation broke out in the parking lot.

During the fight, Ferguson was sprayed with pepper spray before discharging a firearm. One victim sustained a gunshot wound to the leg, while two others were struck by bullet fragments. All three injuries are reported to be non-life-threatening, with two victims transported to a local hospital for treatment.

Deputies responding to the scene observed a vehicle fleeing and conducted a traffic stop a short distance away, leading to Ferguson's arrest.

One victim has declined to pursue charges at this time.

The investigation remains active, and the sheriff's office indicates additional arrests are possible.


This is a developing story. Additional information will be provided as it becomes available.

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