UPDATED: Morgan City man arrested in Grizzaffi Street shooting; victim critical

A Morgan City man has been arrested on an attempted murder charge in Wednesday's shooting near a Grizzaffi Street mobile home park. The victim is in critical condition, Morgan City Police said.

Arrested at 6:08 p.m. Wednesday was Cortez Francois, 27, Garber Street, Morgan City. He was booked on charges of attempted second-degree murder, possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, possession of a stolen firearm, illegal use of dangerous instrumentalities and obstruction of justice.

Police answered the call about 7:30 a.m. Wednesday. Officers arrived in the Grizzaffi Street area and found the wounded victim, who was taken to an out-of-town hospital. Police didn't identify the victim.

According to reports, Francois was quickly identified as the suspect.

Officers with the Morgan City Police Department and deputies with the St. Mary Parish Sheriff's Office canvassed the area in an attempt to locate Francois

At the time, Wyandotte Elementary was placed on a lock-down and officers were positioned there.

While canvasing the area, a deputy with the St. Mary Parish Sheriff's Office located Francois behind a set of storage sheds in the area of East Boulevard. He was taken into custody and identified as the sole suspect in the investigation.

A search turned up a firearm that is believed to be the gun used in the shooting. The firearm was found to be stolen.

Reports indicate that Francois and the victim were in a vehicle together when Francois shot the victim before fleeing on foot, police said.

Francois was found to be a convicted felon and was prohibited from possessing a firearm. Evidence was uncovered that while fleeing the area, Francois hid the gun.

Warrants were prepared for Francois' arrest. He was booked into the Morgan City Jail, where he now awaits court proceedings.

Anyone with information on this investigation is asked to contact the Morgan City Police Department Detectives Division 985-380-4605.