Authorities are investigating an alleged accidental shooting in west Shreveport that left a woman hospitalized.

At approximately 5:52 p.m. on March 27, 2012, Shreveport Police patrol officers were dispatched to Willis-Knighton South in the 2500 block of Bert Kouns Industrial Loop relative to a shooting victim in the emergency room there.  Upon arrival, patrolmen located 25-year-old Tasheka Osbourne who was suffering from what was initially described as a potentially life-threatening gunshot wound to the back.  Osbourne told patrolmen that her boyfriend, identified as 27 year old Christopher Sowell, accidentally shot her at a residence in the 6200 block of West Bert Kouns Industrial Loop. Sowell then transported her to Willis-Knighton.

Detectives immediately responded to the home on Bert Kouns and learned Sowell was apparently looking for a battery in a kitchen drawer when he found a .380 handgun.  The gun, which did belong to him, had been malfunctioning and, according to Sowell, he had intended to take the weapon to a gunsmith.  Thinking the handgun was not working, he pulled the trigger and a round was discharged, striking the victim.  Investigators seized the weapon and processed the home for possible evidence as they would at any shooting scene.

Osbourne underwent emergency surgery and, according to medical personnel, is expected to make a full recovery.  At this early stage of their inquiry, investigators report there are no overt indications that the shooting was not accidental and Sowell has not been charged with any crime at this time.  Detectives stress, however, the investigation is ongoing.

Anyone with any information regarding this case should call Shreveport Police detectives at 318-673-6955 or Shreveport-Caddo Parish Crime Stoppers at 318-673-7373.  

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