EBRSO looking for Walmart shooting suspect believed to be in Acadiana area

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EBRSO detectives are looking for the suspect involved in the Walmart shooting this afternoon after he assaulted and attempted to disarm a deputy, ultimately discharging a weapon while just outside the store entrance.

Gabriel Nicole Francis (dob 5/24/89), of 6061 Plank Road, is wanted for Attempted First Degree Murder of a Police Officer, Resisting an Officer, Disarming a Police Officer, Theft of Goods, Felon in Possession of a Firearm and Battery of a Police Officer.

According to reports Francis entered the Cortana Walmart this afternoon and was observed on camera switching tags for various items and then attempting to pass through points of sale without paying for the items. An EBRSO deputy working an extra duty security detail was notified by the store Loss Prevention Staff of the incident. When both staff and the deputy attempted to stop Francis from exiting the store, he became combative and proceeded to engage in a physical altercation with the deputy. According to staff and witnesses, Francis was on top of the deputy attempting to remove the deputy’s holstered handgun causing it to discharge while in the holster. This occurred while staff also attempted to assist the deputy in gaining control of the suspect. Francis fled the scene on foot, dropping his wallet while fleeing.

EBRSO setup a perimeter of the area to locate Francis, but he was not located. The suspect is originally from Lafayette and believed to possibly be in the Acadiana area. Anyone with information is asked to call the Sheriff’s Office at 389-5000.