Eighteen-year-old Austin Johnson of Bossier City was killed in an inadvertent shooting in the drive-thru of the Raising Cane’s restaurant in Ruston about 1:48 a.m. Friday morning.
Ruston Police said officers found the man with a gunshot wound to the chest. Johnson was taken by ambulance to the Northern Louisiana Medical Center and then airlifted to Ochsner LSU Health Shreveport where he died due to his injuries.
RPD’s investigation found Johnson was in a vehicle with friends in the drive-thru when he was shot unintentionally in the chest. Police said some occupants of the vehicle were playing with toy guns. Matthew Logan Embry, 19, of Dubach, picked up a real pistol, and thinking it was unloaded, fired a shot that struck Johnson.
Investigators charged Embry with negligent homicide.
Louisiana Tech President Jim Henderson announced Friday that Johnson was a Tech student and encouraged students, faculty and staff to seek counseling if need.
“We are deeply saddened by the loss of one of our students, Austin Johnson,” Henderson wrote in an email to the Tech community. “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.
“Navigating grief is not something to do alone. Counseling Services is available to support students during this difficult time.”
Henderson said walk-in counseling appointments are available in Keeny Hall 337 or by making an appointment by calling 318-257-2488.
“Continue to care for one another today and always,” Henderson said.
Police said Embry is not a Tech student. His bail is set at $300,000.
The investigation remains active and ongoing. If anyone has information regarding this or any other crime, they are requested to contact the Ruston Police Department’s Criminal Investigative Division at 318-255-4141 or Crimestoppers of Lincoln Parish.
