Suspect in Wednesday shooting booked on attempted murder counts

A Railroad Avenue man has been booked on attempted murder charges after an exchange of gunfire, in the presence of a child, on Wednesday at a Fifth Street home, Morgan City police said.

Joshua D. Robertson, 32, was arrested at 3:15 p.m. Wednesday on two counts of attempted second-degree murder and charges of aggravated criminal damage to property, illegal use of dangerous instrumentalities, aggravated assault with a firearm, possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, simple battery, flight from an officer, possession of marijuana and possession of drug paraphernalia.

According to the police account, reports indicate that Robertson had approached the victim in the area of Fifth Street. After a verbal altercation, Robertson struck the victim when a struggle ensued.

Robertson then allegedly retreated to his vehicle and brandished a firearm. At the time, the victim was with a small child. The victim armed himself with a firearm and began to retreat into a residence when Robertson allegedly fired a shot.

It was determined that the victim returned gunfire and retreated into the residence. There was also another subject and a small child inside, police said.

Officers with the Morgan City Police Department responded to the area. A vehicle was observed fleeing the area. The officer attempted to initiate a stop when the vehicle continued to flee.

A short pursuit ensued when the vehicle was stopped on Sixth Street near Clothilde Street. The sole occupant of the vehicle, Robertson, was detained pending further investigation, police said. The vehicle had been hit by gunfire.

Officers and investigators with the Morgan City Police Department Detectives Division and the St. Mary Parish Sheriff’s Office responded to the area of Fifth Street near Freret Street and secured the scene of the crime. A second subject, who was later determined to be the victim, was detained pending further investigation.

Investigators were able to obtain evidence that corroborated the victims’ account of what took place through search warrants of the residence where the shooting occurred, and the vehicle Robertson fled in. Suspected marijuana and drug paraphernalia was located in Robertson’s vehicle, police said.

Warrants were obtained for Robertson’s arrest regarding the incident. Robertson was booked into the Morgan City Jail, where he now awaits court proceedings.

Chief Chad M. Adams and the Morgan City Police Department commended officers and investigators of the Morgan City Police Department and the St. Mary Parish Sheriff's Office for their quick response to this incident.
“Due to their actions and professionalism scenes were secured and the suspected shooter was quickly taken into custody,” said a Police Department statement.