On April 17, 2021, at approximately 8:30 pm, the Hammond Police Department responded to the Walmart parking lot on West Thomas Street in response to a shooting.
Upon arrival, officers were told two victims were transported to North Oaks Medical Center by personal vehicle.
HPD Detectives learned that Walmart was being used as a meeting place for a party bus rental. Prior to the arrival of the bus, a physical altercation had taken place involving a group of unknown black males. As the organizer of the party bus began checking off the participants and allowing them on the bus, some of the black males from the fight remained in the parking lot. The organizer told the men to leave, but they refused and began cursing her. The organizer then heard gunfire and realized she had been grazed in the shoulder. A second victim was shot through the left leg.
Through their investigation, detectives identified Davonte Hayes, 18 years old of Hammond, as the suspect. A warrant has been issued for two counts of attempted second degree murder and one count of illegal use of a weapon.
Anyone with information on this incident or the suspect is asked to Detective Ronney Domiano (985-277-5739, Domiano_RJ@hammond.org), with the Hammond Police Department’s Criminal Investigation Division, by the Hammond Police Department’s Facebook Page, or by contacting Crime Stoppers of Tangipahoa’s anonymous tip line at 1-800-554-5245. Be a part of the solution and you may be eligible for a cash reward.
