8 wounded, 3 in critical condition, after Louisiana lounge shooting, police say

LAKE CHARLES, La. (KPLC/Gray news) - Eight people were shot at a lounge on Broad Street overnight, authorities said.

Three people are in critical condition following the shooting at the VVS1 Hooka Lounge, according to Deputy Chief Franklin Fondel, spokesman for the Lake Charles Police Department.

One person is in custody, Fondel said. Police are investigating whether there were other shooters, KPLC reported.

Police were called to the shooting at 1:35 a.m. Wednesday, Fondel said.

KPLC spoke with Van Ned, the owner of the lounge. He said it all happened inside where everyone was having a great time until shots were fired, which sounded like fireworks erupting.

He said with eight security guards on staff, he believes weapons were brought in through the court yard where a tent was set up. The tent is not typically there, Ned said. He said it may have obscured the view of the fence, allowing someone to sneak weapons in.

He also says one of his security guards helped subdue a shooter.

An ambulance took one victim to the hospital, while the rest were taken by officers and other people to the hospital.

Two victims have been treated and released, and three are in stable condition, authorities said.

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