Bright Young Man Fatally Wounded and Several Innocent Bystanders Seriously Injured in Coordinated Shooting Along Interstate 10; 19-Year-Old Jakiryn Johnson in Custody as Key Suspect in Targeted Ascension Parish Highway Ambush

ASCENSION PARISH, LA — June 9, 2025 — What began as a typical early Sunday morning drive turned into a harrowing and deeply traumatic ordeal for multiple individuals traveling along Interstate 10. One young man — described by family as optimistic, ambitious, and beloved — sustained fatal injuries during a coordinated attack involving gunfire from a moving vehicle. Several others, including both passengers and drivers in nearby cars, suffered injuries of varying severity during what law enforcement officials are calling a focused and deliberate act.

Jakiryn Johnson, 19, was arrested hours later by deputies with the Ascension Parish Sheriff’s Office (APSO), who confirm that he is a central figure in the investigation. Johnson now faces multiple felony charges in connection with the highway shooting that left a young life tragically cut short and others emotionally and physically scarred. Authorities say additional arrests are anticipated as the investigation expands.

Timeline of Events: High-Speed Ambush on I-10

According to official reports released by the APSO Violent Crimes Unit, the incident occurred just after 2:30 a.m. on Sunday, June 9. Several emergency calls were received reporting shots being fired between vehicles traveling eastbound on Interstate 10 near the Highway 73 exit. Witnesses described seeing flashes of light coming from a black sedan as it moved aggressively between lanes, allegedly targeting a second vehicle in what appears to have been a premeditated ambush.

Responding deputies arrived to find a car riddled with bullet holes and veering off the road. Inside, a promising young man — who has not yet been identified publicly — was found critically injured. He was transported to a nearby hospital, where despite extensive life-saving efforts, he succumbed to his injuries. Several other occupants in the targeted vehicle, as well as individuals in nearby cars, were also injured, either by gunfire or due to vehicle collisions caused by the sudden panic on the interstate.

Sheriff Bobby Webre released a statement Sunday afternoon:

“This was not an accident. This was not random. This was a planned and highly reckless attack that endangered every motorist on that stretch of highway. One young man’s future has been taken, and others are left injured and traumatized. We will pursue justice with the full weight of the law.”

Primary Suspect Identified and Arrested: Jakiryn Johnson, 19

Following an intensive search involving aerial surveillance, traffic camera footage, and coordination with surrounding parishes, investigators arrested 19-year-old Jakiryn Johnson, believed to be the driver and possible shooter in the black sedan seen fleeing the scene.

He was taken into custody without incident at a residence in Prairieville early Sunday morning. Detectives say he is believed to have had prior contact with the primary victim and that their relationship may have involved an unresolved personal conflict that escalated dangerously over recent days.

Johnson is being held in the Ascension Parish Jail on charges that include:

• Attempted first-degree murder
• Aggravated criminal damage to property
• Illegal use of weapons or dangerous instrumentalities
• Conspiracy to commit assault with a firearm

Additional charges may follow depending on the condition and medical outcomes of the injured parties. APSO has indicated that more suspects are being sought in connection with the case, including individuals who may have supplied firearms or planned the encounter.

Investigation Unfolding: Forensic Evidence, Surveillance, and Witness Accounts

The APSO Violent Crimes Unit, working in conjunction with Louisiana State Police, has recovered several crucial pieces of evidence. Shell casings matching the caliber of rounds fired were located near the scene and in the recovered suspect vehicle. Additionally, a semi-automatic handgun was recovered during Johnson’s arrest.

Surveillance video from traffic cameras and nearby businesses is being analyzed to piece together the exact route and timing of the vehicles involved. Forensic analysis is also underway to determine how many firearms were discharged, and by whom.

Detective Laura Benton, the lead investigator on the case, noted:

“This was not just an impulsive act. The planning, coordination, and execution involved suggest multiple individuals knew exactly what they were doing. We are committed to identifying every person involved.”

Victim Profile: A Future Full of Promise Cut Short

While authorities have not released the name of the young man whose life was claimed, friends and family gathered at a local church Sunday evening for a candlelight vigil. Many described him as intelligent, respectful, and community-minded. A recent high school graduate, he had aspirations to attend college in the fall and was known for mentoring younger students in his neighborhood.

“He was light in human form,” said one family friend. “Always lifting others up. He had dreams bigger than the world allowed him to see through.”

Neighbors and classmates posted messages of remembrance on social media, describing the victim as someone who made others feel safe and seen.

Injured Survivors: Emotional and Physical Recovery

Of the individuals injured during the shooting, two were passengers in the same vehicle as the primary victim. One sustained injuries to the arm and underwent surgery early Monday morning. Another was treated for glass lacerations and released. Two additional victims in nearby cars suffered minor injuries related to crash impact when the targeted car lost control.

While none of the other injuries are considered life-threatening, Sheriff Webre emphasized that the emotional toll on the survivors is profound:

“Every person on that highway had their life altered by what happened. Whether injured by shrapnel or traumatized by the chaos, no one will forget that moment.”

Community Impact and Renewed Focus on Youth Safety

The shooting has reignited urgent conversations throughout Ascension Parish about rising tensions among local youth, particularly relating to online disputes, territorial feuds, and late-night gatherings that escalate into confrontations.

Multiple community leaders have called for immediate collaboration between law enforcement, schools, and families to create new intervention programs and safe spaces for youth.

“This cannot be the norm,” said Reverend Calvin Paul, speaking at Sunday night’s vigil. “We must all act now — mentors, parents, coaches, law enforcement — to prevent the next tragedy.”

The Ascension Parish School Board released a statement of support for affected families and emphasized its commitment to expanding mental health services for students.

Authorities Urge Cooperation as More Arrests Loom

As the investigation deepens, APSO is urging anyone with information, video footage, or knowledge of those involved to come forward. Tip lines have been activated, and anonymous reports can be submitted through the Crime Stoppers app.

Detective Benton stated that at least two additional persons of interest have been identified, and the public’s help could be vital in securing their apprehension.

“We are not done. This case will not go unresolved. If you know something, say something. One call can prevent another act like this from ever happening again.”

A Parish in Mourning, A Case Still Unfolding

The tragic events along I-10 have sent ripples of sorrow, fear, and reflection throughout Ascension Parish. Flags at several local institutions were lowered Monday morning as signs of solidarity with the grieving families.

Though the road remains open and traffic patterns normalized, for many, the space has taken on a different meaning — a place where a young man’s dreams ended, and a community’s sense of peace was fractured.

Law enforcement continues to monitor potential retaliatory threats while vowing full accountability for all involved in this well-planned and devastating encounter.

Anyone with information is encouraged to call the Ascension Parish Sheriff’s Office at (225) 621-8300 or submit tips anonymously via Greater Baton Rouge Crime Stoppers.