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KEITHVILLE, LA — A workplace dispute turned violent Friday morning in Caddo Parish, leading to a justified self-defense shooting, according to local authorities.
Around 11 a.m. on June 27, deputies from the Caddo Parish Sheriff’s Office responded to reports of a shooting in the 3200 block of Stagecoach Road. Upon arrival, deputies learned that 37-year-old Joseph Whitaker had been shot in the upper body following an altercation with a co-worker.
According to investigators, the incident began as a verbal disagreement between the two men. The shooter, whose name has not been released, attempted to de-escalate the situation and avoid confrontation by entering his truck to leave. However, Whitaker reportedly followed him to the vehicle and began striking him in the head.
In response to the unprovoked physical assault and fearing for his life, the man drew his firearm and fired two rounds at Whitaker, striking him. Whitaker was transported by private vehicle to Willis Knighton South in Shreveport and later transferred to Ochsner LSU Health for treatment of non-life-threatening injuries.
The shooter left the scene immediately after the incident but returned shortly afterward when deputies arrived. Following an investigation, authorities determined the man acted in lawful self-defense. Whitaker was later issued a summons for simple battery.
This case highlights the critical importance of attempting to de-escalate volatile situations whenever possible. The defender in this incident made a clear effort to disengage and retreat, which significantly bolstered his legal standing. Also, it’s lawful to leave the scene if you are still in fear for your life—but you must call 911 immediately to report the shooting and your location. Prompt notification demonstrates you’re not fleeing wrongdoing, and cooperating with authorities strengthens your self-defense claim.
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