By Associated Press
ST. GABRIEL — A man serving a 34-year-sentence for attempted second-degree murder has been shot while trying to escape from Elayn Hunt Correctional Center in St. Gabriel. Pam Laborde, a spokeswoman for the Louisiana Department of Corrections, says 22-year-old Troy Watson of Monroe was on a crew working the grounds of the prison Friday when he began running and ignored two guards’ warning shots and calls to stop.
Laborde says a bullet struck Watson in the torso and exited his abdomen. He was captured and taken to an area hospital on recommendation of the prison’s medical staff. Laborde says he was conscious during treatment and doctors indicate he should survive.
Watson is scheduled for release in 2043. Laborde says he might face additional criminal or administrative charges resulting from the escape attempt.