A 29-year-old private lawyer is in police custody after allegedly shooting a 55-year-old resident during a confrontation in Barangay 13, Magat Salamat, on Sunday night.

According to police investigation and eyewitness accounts, the incident occurred around 8:24 p.m. The victim, seated at a nearby shed, noticed the suspect and his companions reportedly stopping passersby.

The victim approached them to de-escalate the situation, but the young lawyer allegedly shot him once in the back.

Responding officers from the Laoag City Police Station arrived within minutes, arresting the suspect and confiscating a 9mm Glock 43X pistol with an optic sight and an empty magazine.

Eyewitnesses reported hearing a gunshot, followed by the suspect allegedly pointing a cocked firearm at another individual who approached to investigate the commotion. A barangay security officer also heard loud voices and successive gunfire, prompting him to take cover.

Scene investigators recovered four fired cartridge cases, one unfired cartridge case and one deformed bullet, all for a 9mm caliber.

The victim was rushed to Governor Roque B. Ablan Sr. Memorial Hospital and later transferred to Mariano Marcos Memorial Hospital and Medical Center in Batac City for further treatment. Authorities obtained his ante mortem statement before the transfer.

The suspect underwent a medical examination and has been turned over to the custody of the Laoag City Police. Charges are being prepared against him.