18-year-old Louisiana man shot and killed a man over flirting dispute, cops say

A dispute over flirting has led to the shooting death of a man and a teenager's arrest, police said.

Jaden Michael Ardoin, 18, faces charges of first-degree murder and attempted first-degree murder in connection to the shooting death of Wade Edward Smith and the injury of James Preston Allen Vaughn, KLFY 10 reported.

Around 7:30 p.m. on Feb. 15, deputies were called to the 9000 block of La. 105 in Melville, Louisiana, for shots fired report, according to KLFY 10.

Shortly after, deputies were notified of a vehicle on fire in the same area, KLFY 10 reported.

The incident allegedly began at a nearby gas station where Smith and Vaughn were regular customers, according to KLFY 10.

Ardoin’s girlfriend worked at the gas station, and reports say “the two would routinely flirt with Ardoin’s girlfriend when they would enter the gas station,” KLFY 10 reported.

Smith and Vaughn were asked not to stop flirting with the girlfriend because of jealousy concerns with Ardoin, and the two allegedly agreed, according to KLFY 10.

Shortly after, Ardoin and another suspect entered the gas station and became upset that Smith and Vaughn were there, KLFY 10 reported.

Later that evening, Smith and Vaughn were driving down La. 105 and passed Ardoin, who was driving slowly in the lane, according to KLFY 10.

A chase began, and Ardoin allegedly began shooting at Smith and Vaughn from behind, KLFY 10 reported.

Smith was struck by a bullet, so Vaughn grabbed the wheel but eventually lost control, according to KLFY 10.

The vehicle went off the road and struck a tree, catching fire, KLFY 10 reported.

An unknown woman helped Vaughn exit the vehicle, but Smith remained slumped over. He died from his injury, according to KLFY 10.

Vaughn identified Ardoin in a photo lineup, and police also obtained evidence and surveillance footage from the scene, KLFY 10 reported.

The other person with Ardoin has not been identified or charged, but police say more arrests are expected, according to KLFY 10.

Ardoin is being held without bond, KLFY 10 reported.