Shreveport 12 Year-Old Tragically Dies in Accidental Shooting

A 12-year-old boy in Shreveport is dead following an accidental shooting.

The Shreveport Police Department says this tragedy happened at about 9:30 p.m. on Saturday night. Officers were dispatched to the 500 block of West 74th Street in Cedar Grove in response to a reported shooting.

Upon arrival, officers were informed that there was a boy who had sustained a gunshot wound but had already been taken to Ochsner LSU Health Shreveport by private vehicle.

Despite efforts to save him, the child was later pronounced dead at the hospital. He has now been identified by the Caddo Parish Coroner as Caiden Smith.

SPD Violent Crimes detectives arrived at the scene and launched an investigation. Their preliminary findings indicated that the boy accidentally discharged a firearm found inside the residence. They ruled the shooting accidental, and no signs of foul play were present.

The investigation remains ongoing.

The Shreveport Police Department released the following regarding firearm safety and storage:

"This heartbreaking incident highlights the critical importance of safe firearm storage and education. Firearms should always be secured and out of reach of children to prevent such tragedies. The Shreveport Police Department urges all gun owners to practice responsible firearm safety to help prevent future accidents."

This is a developing story, and the KEEL News Team will post updates to this story as information becomes available.

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