LAFAYETTE, La. (KLFY) – Lafayette Police are investigating a Monday morning shooting at an apartment complex.

Lafayette Police were called to the scene of a shooting at Brook Pointe Apartments at 504 N. Pierce Street, responding to a call of shots fired around 11:30 a.m. On arrival, they found a female victim with a gunshot wound. The victim was transported to a local hospital and is in critical condition.

Investigators found information on the suspect’s vehicle and located them traveling on I-49 near Opelousas. State Police tried to initiate a traffic stop, but the suspect continued to drive, which began a vehicle pursuit. The vehicle eventually stopped in Avoyelles Parish at the Bunkie exit on I-49. The driver then killed himself with a self-inflicted gunshot wound.

The driver was identified as Norvel Etienne, 26 of Morganza.

The incident is currently being investigated as domestic in nature, as the suspect violently confronted the victim who is his ex-girlfriend and mother of his children, authorities said. Police said the victim was attempting to leave her residence, when she was confronted by the suspect. The suspect attacked the victim, shot her multiple times and then fled the scene in a vehicle. The female victim remains hospitalized and in critical condition.   

The Lafayette Police Department urges anyone who is a victim of domestic abuse and needs help getting out of the environment to contact the Domestic Abuse Hotline at 1-800-799-SAFE (7233) or you can contact the local Family Justice Center at 337-210-5986 for assistance.