Fatal Shooting Outside West 70th Auto Parts Store Under Investigation

Shreveport police officers responded to a reported shooting in the 2700 block of West 70th Street just after 8:30 p.m. on March 17, 2026. Upon arrival outside an O’Reilly Auto Parts, first responders discovered an adult male who had been struck by multiple rounds of gunfire. The victim was pronounced deceased at the scene.

Shooter Claims Self-Defense in 911 Call

The individual who discharged the firearm remained at the location and is reportedly cooperating fully with law enforcement. According to initial reports, the shooter placed the 911 call themselves, informing dispatchers that the deceased individual had attempted to rob them.

History of Disputes Led to Deadly Confrontation

As the investigation by the Shreveport Police Department’s Violent Crimes Unit progressed, detectives discovered that the two men were not strangers. The pair reportedly had a history of verbal disputes that escalated into a physical fight on Tuesday night.

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Preliminary findings suggest the deceased individual allegedly threatened the shooter with a firearm and fired multiple rounds first. The shooter then retrieved a weapon from his vehicle and returned fire.

Ongoing Investigation and Evidence Collection

Detectives have recovered firearms and shell casings from the scene and are currently reviewing surveillance footage and conducting interviews. While the incident is being investigated as a homicide, preliminary evidence suggests the claim of self-defense may be valid. This shooting marks the fourth homicide in Shreveport for the year 2026.

Shreveport Homicide Statistics: 2025 Review and 2026 Projections

The city of Shreveport saw a notable decline in lethal violence last year.

2025 Homicide Data:

• Total Homicides: 42
• Year-over-Year Change: A decrease of approximately 19% compared to the 52 homicides recorded in 2024.
• Clearance Rate: Approximately 70% of 2025 cases have been solved or closed by detectives.

2026 Projection: As of March 18, 2026, Shreveport has recorded 4 homicides.

Comparing this to previous years, the city is currently experiencing its slowest start to a year in terms of homicides in over five years. At this same point in 2025, the city had already recorded 5 homicides, and in 2024, that number was 8.

If the current trend of roughly 1.3 homicides per month continues, Shreveport is projected to end 2026 with approximately 16 to 20 homicides. While crime rates are rarely linear and can fluctuate during summer months, the data suggests that Shreveport is currently on track to potentially cut its 2025 homicide rate by more than half.