Teen shot during home invasion arrested

SHREVEPORT, La. (KSLA) — A Shreveport teenager has been arrested in connection with a foiled burglary during which a resident shot an intruder, police confirm.

It was about midnight Thursday when a family heard someone breaking into their home in the 3800 block of Fairfield Avenue. That’s at Dudley Drive and a few blocks from Mall St. Vincent in Shreveport’s Fairfield neighborhood.

The homeowner told police that someone was trying to force his way in through a rear window.

The resident, who was inside at the time, armed himself with a gun and fired at the intruder, grazing him in his right hip.

The homeowner then held the intruder at gunpoint until police arrived.

Officers found the wounded man, later identified as 18-year-old Morgan Matthews, outside in the back of the residence.

Matthews, who was booked into Shreveport City Jail at 12:10 a.m. Thursday, told officers that 21-year-old Benjamin Elmajian was with him. Police found Elmajian at his residence and took him into custody at 12:54 a.m. , booking records show.

“Upon reviewing the surveillance video, detectives were able to confirm that Matthews was attempting to break into the residence when he was shot,” police Cpl. Glen Heckard said.

“Initially, both Matthews and Elmajian were charged. However, due to a lack of evidence at this time, charges were dropped against Elmajian.”

Matthews remains in the City Jail, where he was booked on one count each of home invasion and escape, booking records show.

People who live in the neighborhood where the home invasion occurred say that such crime is becoming all too common and that many fear the situation will only get worse unless more can be done.

“I know this town has always had a problem with poverty and whatnot. And recent events have not helped out. I know that,” Shreveport resident Frederick Colbert told KSLA News 12.

The city’s longstanding challenges have only been exacerbated by the seemingly endless COVID-19 pandemic and its economic fallout — businesses closing and jobs being lost, he said.

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Shortly before Colbert started back on his walk in the neighborhood, he lamented current conditions.

“I’ve lived in this area for a long time. And it’s not getting any better. And when I hear something like this it definitely causes concern.”

He’s not alone. Retired neurosurgeon Dr. Warren Long lives right across the street. We’re the ones who informed him of the overnight home invasion. But he wasn’t surprised.

Reporter: “Did you hear about that home invasion last night?”

Dr. Warren Long/Neighbor: “No, what?”

Reporter: “The home invasion?”

Dr. Long: “No.”

Reporter: “(It) Happened at that house right over there.”

Dr. Long: “Right here?”

Reporter: “Yes, sir.”

Dr. Long: “Oh really. That’s the second time.”

Reporter: “That’s the second time?”

Dr. Long: “Yeah.”

Reporter: “Since when?”

Dr. Long: “Last year it was invaded too.”

Whatever the reason for the surge in crime, nearby resident Jim Johnson says it means having to take measures, if necessary, to protect him and his family.

“Makes me happy that I have weapons and I know how to use them.”

In fact, Johnson says the next time there’s a home invasion like this - it could prove deadly.

“More of them are going to get killed if they keep doing this stuff.”

Unfortunately, neighbors like Dr. Long are sadly convinced that with the current economic conditions in this country, and right here at home, crime will likely get even worse before it gets better.

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