SLIDELL, La. — Slidell police are actively searching for three suspects wanted on attempted first-degree murder and weapons charges following a shooting that injured a 17-year-old outside a McDonald’s Friday afternoon.
At approximately 4 p.m., officers responded to multiple 911 calls reporting gunfire near the intersection of Voters Road and Old Spanish Trail. Upon arrival, police found a 17-year-old teenager with a graze wound to the head. The teen was transported to a nearby hospital with non-life-threatening injuries and was later released.
The shooting erupted in a McDonald’s parking lot amid what police described as a botched drug deal. Investigators say 32-year-old Nathan Johnson attempted to sell drugs from the drive-through window to a group of five others when the situation escalated into gunfire.
Slidell Police have identified six suspects in total linked to this violent episode. Three suspects — Nathan Johnson, Kerry Major (19), and Rashad Riddick (19) — are currently in custody and facing attempted first-degree murder charges.
Police remain on the lookout for three additional suspects: Justin Barthelemy (20), Eric Watson Jr. (17), and Syncere Givens (19). All are charged with attempted first-degree murder and weapons violations. Authorities warn these individuals are armed and dangerous and may have fled toward nearby New Orleans or Baton Rouge areas.
Interim Slidell Police Chief Daniel Seuzeneau issued a stern warning to the community:
“If anybody is found aiding and abetting, be rest assured you will be arrested as well to all these things.”
Seuzeneau criticized the behavior leading to the shooting, describing it as “a group of teenagers acting like wanna be gangsters” during the illegal transaction and emphasized that this kind of violence will not be tolerated.
This incident highlights ongoing concerns about youth involvement in violent crime linked to drug activity, a problem that alarms law enforcement agencies nationwide.
Authorities urge anyone with information about the whereabouts of the wanted suspects or details surrounding the shooting to contact the Slidell Police Department at 985-643-3131, Crimestoppers at 504-822-1111, or call 911 immediately.
The search continues to ensure these suspects face justice while keeping the community safe from further harm.
