Authorities have arrested another suspect in connection with the February shooting at Hibbett Sports that left two people injured.
Christopher A. Winfield, 23, of Monroe, was taken into custody on Monday, March 24. He faces multiple charges including attempted second-degree murder, rioting, illegal carrying of a weapon, and illegal use of dangerous instruments and weapons.
The incident began with a confrontation between rival street gangs at Pecanland Mall’s food court around 10:40 AM on February 8. According to the Ouachita Parish Sheriff’s Office, three members of YNN and four members of West Side Babies were involved in an altercation that alarmed shoppers, many of whom reportedly feared leaving until the suspects moved to the parking lot.
Later that morning, at approximately 11:56 AM, violence erupted at Hibbett Sports on Louisville Avenue when members of West Side Babies entered the store and allegedly began fighting with a YNN member. The confrontation escalated when Motion Gang members became involved.
Authorities report that during the altercation, Paul D. Thomas, 26, identified as a Motion Gang member, allegedly displayed a white handgun, causing West Side Babies members to flee the store. Security footage captured bystanders warning about the presence of a weapon.
Two victims were shot during the incident and transported to a local hospital for treatment. Their current conditions have not been released.
Law enforcement has identified the three gangs involved as West Side Babies (predominantly from West Monroe), YNN (primarily from East Monroe), and Motion Gang (mainly from the Town & Country area of Monroe).
The investigation remains ongoing, with Derrick D. Brown Jr. and Philick L. Lyons Jr. previously identified as West Side Babies members allegedly involved in the initial mall confrontation.
