Update****
Davonte M. Ardoin appeared before Judge Chuck West Monday for a 72 hour hearing. Ardoin’s arraignment was set for May in Judge Gary Ortego’s courtroom.
The Ville Platte Police Department has arrested Davonte M. Ardoin in connection with a shooting on East Wilson Street that resulted in the death of 21-year-old Rene Williams.
According to a release from Ville Platte Chief of Police Neal Lartigue, “on April 7, 2019 at approximately 5:10 p.m. officers with the VPPD responded to a report of shots fired in the 700 block of East Wilson Street.”
“Upon arrival,” the release continued, “shots were fired in the direction of the police offers with one bullet striking a police unit.”
Assistance was then called for and “officers began blocking off the area to protect citizens.”
Responding to assist with this matter were the Evangeline Parish Sheriff’s Office, Louisiana State Police, Pine Prairie Police Department, and Chataignier Police Department.
While on scene, “officers learned that a white male had been shot and had left the scene to seek medical treatment.”
According to the release, “the suspect continued shooting towards officers on the scene and officers from multiple agencies returned fire.”
After a standoff, the suspect surrendered at 7:00 p.m., just over two hours after the initial report of shots being fired.
When detectives and officers examined the crime scene, they “located the body of a 21-year-old female identified as Rene Williams in the back yard of the residence with multiple gunshot wounds.” Williams was pronounced dead at the scene.
The white male subject who was shot, has been identified as James Macias, 30, of Judy Street, Ville Platte. He was transported to and treated at a hospital in Lafayette. According to the release, he is in stable condition following surgery.
Ardoin, 25, of 706 East Wilson Street, was booked into the Ville Platte City Jail on one count of first degree murder, one count of attempted murder, one count of aggravated assault on a Police Officer, one count of criminal damage to property, one count of false imprisonment with a firearm and one count of illegal use of a weapon or dangerous instrument.
Ardoin’s bond was set at $1,390,000.00.
Chief Lartigue thanks all assisting agencies for their fast response and assistance in this incident.