Chief Deputy Mike Haley of the Washington Parish Sheriff’s Office said that the WPSO is investigating multiple incidents of gunfire in the Mt. Hermon area.

Haley said that between 3:30 a.m. and 4 a.m. Tuesday morning, the WPSO began receiving reports of gunfire in the Mt. Hermon area with several structures and vehicles being hit.

Responding officers discovered multiple structures and vehicles that had been struck by gunfire. At least 13 houses and outbuildings, as well as nine vehicles, had bullet holes. It is possible that the numbers may rise as more residents inspect their property, Haley said.

“It is unknown at this time how many persons were firing weapons,” Haley said. “It is known the suspects were in a pickup truck, make and model unknown, and were firing a small caliber weapon. One homeowner was able to return fire at the suspect vehicle and it is unknown if the vehicle or any occupant was struck.”

WPSO patrol deputies and detectives, along with Wildlife and Fisheries agents, are continuing to scour the area seeking additional information that might lead to identification of the people involved.

Meanwhile, the public is asked to call Lt. Tom Anderson at 985-661-2024 if they have information that might lead to identification of the vehicle or shooters.

“It is inconceivable that anyone would be so callous as to fire a weapon into houses and vehicles in this otherwise peaceful rural community while homeowners are asleep in their own beds,” Washington Parish Sheriff Randy Seal said. “Our officers will continue to work this case and we hope to eventually identify the shooters and put them in jail where they belong.”