Second suspect charged with attempted murder

A second person is now charged with attempted second-degree murder as a result of a gunfight that happened May 1 near a Ruston Housing Authority apartment complex.

Ruston police arrested Shantasia Denise Philson, 19, Monday morning. Authorities say Philson and Tiyan S. Heard shot at each other in the incident that occurred near the intersection of Lewis Street and Terrill Drive.

Heard, also 19, was arrested earlier this month and also charged with attempted seconddegree murder. Police said Philson was shot multiple times but Heard was uninjured.

So far, no motive for the gunfight has been released. Police said the women know each other.

Officers were called to the scene just before 6 p.m. May 1 to find both Heard and the victim, later determined to be Philson, gone. Philson had already been taken to Northern Louisiana Medical Center.

Officers on the scene were able to review video footage provided by Ruston Housing Authority that was later passed on to investigators working the case.

Heard was identified as a suspect based on evidence obtained from the scene, as well as statements from Philson, Police Chief Steve Rogers said at the time.

In addition to the attempted second-degree murder charge, Philson is also charged with aggravated assault with a firearm. As of Tuesday afternoon, Philson remained in the Lincoln Parish Detention Center on $520,000 bond.