VIDALIA — Parish law enforcement said Friday they have identified the man believed to have shot an acquaintance Thursday night on Ralph’s Road.

Concordia Parish Chief Deputy David Hedrick said the alleged victim had been in critical condition, though the man is now expected to live.

“The case is still under investigation, and an arrest is expected soon,” Hedrick said.

Hedrick said the department would not release information on the suspect as of yet.

The sheriff’s office responded to a shots fired call at approximately 7:32 p.m. Thursday at 201 Ralph’s Road.

Upon arrival, Hedrick said, deputies found neither the suspect nor the alleged victim at the scene.

The victim had been transported to Merit Health Natchez by someone unknown to deputies at the time, but CPSO lead investigator Phillip Smith said authorities identified and intended to interview that subject.

While an exact motive had not been determined as of Friday afternoon, Smith said, the two men reportedly knew each other and had “bad blood.”

The bullet entered the victim’s left shoulder, became lodged near the sternum and remained there as of midday Friday, Smith said.

“The bullet is important because it will help us identify the weapon (used),” Hedrick said.

The shooting reportedly occurred outside in front of “quite a few people,” Smith said.

Officials expected to make relatively quick progress with the case, and Smith said more information should be available sometime today.