SHREVEPORT, La. (KTAL/KMSS) — A 19-year-old was left badly injured with multiple gunshot wounds to the lower body after a shooting near Uptown Bar & Lounge in downtown Shreveport during Cinco de Mayo celebrations, prompting the business owner to speak out and pledge stronger security measures.
“I was more embarrassed than anything, because you got people that are here from out of town and our local surrounding areas,” Ryan Williams, Uptown Bar & Lounge owner said. To the criminals that are doing these things, you’re not just embarrassing yourself. You’re embarrassing other people as well, and you got to think about it. We all have to live here. This belongs to us not just the criminals, but it belongs to all of us, and I just want it to be what’s good in Shreveport.”
The shooting occurred in the vicinity of the establishment, though Williams said to his knowledge, neither individual involved in the shooting had been in the lounge.
“Every day I open these doors, I put my reputation on the line,” Williams said. “As I continue to put my reputation on the line, I’m going to continue to do whatever it takes to make sure that this place is safe. If it’s more lighting. If it’s more security. If it’s more cameras. That’s the way we stop the criminals from winning.”…