Preteen was shot as he and others allegedly attempted to break into vehicles

SHREVEPORT, La. (KSLA) – A teenager was shot and killed by the owner of one of several parked vehicles that the teen and other teens allegedly tried to break into in Shreveport’s Southern Hills neighborhood, authorities report.

The Caddo coroner’s office Sunday evening identified 12-year-old Jaylen Coleman as the teenager who died the night before as a result of a gunshot to the head. Coleman was pronounced dead at the scene of an accident in the 8800 block of Hawthorne Drive around 11:10 p.m. Saturday. An autopsy was ordered.

“A juvenile witness was arrested and it was discovered that the deceased, a 12-year-old male, was accompanied by several other juveniles who were attempting to break into a vehicle in the area,” according to a report filed around 6:30 p.m Police released a statement Sunday. “The burglary was interrupted by the vehicle owner who fired a shot, resulting in the death of the 12-year-old.”

A teenager was arrested for simple burglary. Other juveniles reportedly involved in the break-in remain at large. The person who fired the shot that killed Coleman has not been arrested.

“Shreveport Police emphasize that this investigation is still in its early stages and will be working closely with the Caddo Parish District Attorney’s Office in the coming days,” said Cpl. said Chris Bordelon. “We urge anyone with relevant information to come forward.”

Coleman’s death marks the 25th homicide this year in Shreveport and the 28th in Caddo Parish.

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