La Crosse Police Investigate Shootings Over Weekend

The La Crosse Police Department is currently investigating a shooting that took place in the area of 400 South 9th where there is one victim with a non-life threatening injury. The La Crosse Police Department is also currently investigating four other shootings that took place over the weekend since Friday night. One other shooting involved one victim that was shot and had one non-life threatening injury, while two shootings that took place at the same time and same general area involved property damage and the fifth hooting had no reported injuries or property damage.

• On Friday August 14th at 8:53 p.m. officers responded to the area of 5th and Jackson Streets for a drive-by shooting in the intersection and one house being struck by one gunshot at 1102 5th South. While in the area, officers gathered information and found a second shooting a block away at 5th and Mississippi Street that took place at the same time in the intersection and one other house being struck by one gunshot at 412 Mississippi Street. Witnesses reported that a silver vehicle was involved in both shootings and that several shots were fired by occupant(s) inside the vehicle. Several shell casings were located in both intersections. There were no injuries reported.
• On Saturday August 15th at 1:33 a.m. Officers responded to 717 5th South #3 for a shooting, in which the victim (Paul D. Thomas Sr. DOB: 07/18/1975) was shot in the foot one time while standing out in front of his residence. The victim reported that he was standing outside his residence when he heard a noise, looked behind him and seen two flashes, at which time he began running towards La Crosse Fire Station #1. Once arriving in the area of Fire Station #1 he realized he had been shot and then returned to his address at 717 5th Avenue South #3 where he called police. The victim did not suspect anyone or see anyone in the area of the shooting. The victim was treated at a local hospital for non-life threatening injury.
• On Sunday August 16th at 1:25 a.m. Police responded to the 900 block of 5th South for a shots fired call. Witnesses reported that they heard several gun shots fired in the area and then observed 3 young black males between the ages of 15 and 20, running from the area. There were no reported victims from the incident with no injuries or property damage.
• On Sunday August 16th at 1:49 p.m. police were notified of a shots fired call in the area of 9th and Cameron Street. As Officers responded to the area, the victim (Paul D. Thomas Jr. DOB: 11/07/1995) was reported to be in the area of 700 Cass Street. The victim was met by first responders and taken to a local hospital where he was treated and released for non-life threatening injury for one gunshot wound. After being released from the hospital the victim was arrested for a local warrant and a probation hold. The victim provided no possible suspect(s) or reasons for the shooting. Police are currently investigating where this actual shooting took place, but it is believed to be in the area of 400 9th Street South. Police did locate one handgun in the area of 400 9th Street South.

The two victims that were shot in the two separate shootings are relatives and the La Crosse Police Department is looking into the possibility of all four shootings being related to each other. The La Crosse Police Department does not believe there is any danger to the general public. The La Crosse Police Department will be implementing extra patrols in the area. As always you should be aware of your surroundings and be vigilant in your safety and call police if you see any suspicious activity.

At this time we do not have any known suspects, as the Investigation is ongoing.  Anyone with information regarding this incident can contact the La Crosse Police Department at 608-785-5962.  Callers can also remain anonymous by calling the La Crosse Area Crime Stoppers at 784-8477 or text laxtips at Crimes (274-637) or online at www.lacrossecrimestoppers.com. Callers to Crime Stoppers can be eligible for rewards of up to $1,000.