Shooting claims life of Louisiana Tech student

An 18-year-old Louisiana Tech University student is dead, and one of his friends is charged with negligent homicide after what police are calling an accidental shooting that occurred in the drive- thru at Raising Cane’s shortly before 2 a.m. Friday.

Austin Johnson, of Bossier City, was hit in the chest by a single round fired by 19-yearold Matthew Embry, of Dubach, Ruston police said. Embry has been charged with negligent homicide.

Johnson was a freshman majoring in business administration.

As of midmorning Friday, Embry, who authorities said was not a Tech student, remained in the Lincoln Parish Detention Center on $300,000 bond.

Ruston Deputy Police Chief Henry Wood said Johnson and his girlfriend, also a Tech student, were passengers in Embry’s car. Johnson was in the back seat.

“They had some toy guns in the car that two of them were playing with,” Wood said.

Embry apparently picked up a real handgun he thought was unloaded, pointed it at Johnson’s chest and fired.

Johnson was transported by ambulance to Northern Louisiana Medical Center then airlifted to Ochsner LSU Health Shreveport, where he later succumbed to his injuries.

Police said other patrons were in the drive-thru line, some of whom helped render aid to Johnson until emergency responders arrived.

Louisiana Tech President Jim Henderson said counseling services are in place sfor tudents and others in the university community who might want them.

“These types of events have a traumatic effect that goes far beyond those directly involved,” he said. “We want to make sure the expert services we have in place, that are truly exemplary, are known about and accessible to anyone in need.”

In a statement issued Friday to the Tech community and posted to social media, Henderson said the university is saddened by Johnson’s death.

“Our hearts, along with our thoughts and prayers, are with Austin’s loved ones as the entire Louisiana Tech family feels the weight of this tragedy,” Henderson said.

In separate comments, he also offered thoughts and prayers to the female student who was unharmed.

He urged everyone to “Continue to care for one another today and always.”

Meantime, police said the investigation into the incident remains active and ongoing.

They asked anyone having information regarding this or any other crime to contact the Ruston Police Department’s Criminal Investigative Division at 318-2554141 or Crimestoppers of Lincoln Parish.

Crimestoppers information can be given in several ways; either by calling 318- 255- 1111, text a tip to “TIP515 plus your message” to CRIMES (274637), or submitting a tip online at rustonlincolncrimestoppers. com.