PA investigates two shootings in two hours

The Port Arthur Police Department (PAPD) is investigating a pair of shooting incidents that occurred within two hours of each other on June 19, with one suspect arrested hours later in Louisiana with a dead body in his vehicle.

Louisiana’s KLFY News reported Eric Martin, 38, of Port Arthur, was arrested in Lafayette in connection to a shooting in Port Arthur that claimed the life of a mother of six children, Shekira Simpson. Sources told KLFY News that Martin was driving with the victim’s body in his vehicle when he was stopped in Lafayette. Martin was jailed in lieu of a $1 million bond as of press time.

Martin was wanted by PAPD police subsequent to a noon shooting the same day when a male was reportedly shot in the back in the 1600 block of Vicksburg Avenue. The suspect, later identified as Martin, reportedly drove away in a black Hyundai SUV. The male victim was transported to St. Elizabeth Hospital, reportedly in stable condition.

Two hours after the noon shooting, PAPD officers were called to the 3000 block of 15th Street in reference to shots fired. A preliminary investigation reveals that Qualine Joseph, 39, of Port Arthur, was intoxicated and shooting outside his residence.

While officers had the man detained, Joseph allegedly assaulted an officer, causing bodily injury. Joseph was arrested for deadly conduct and assault of a police officer.