By Police1 Staff
SLIDELL, La. — An officer was shot by a suspect a few hours after the gunman wrote “disturbing posts” on social media.
According to the Times-Picayune, police were called to the scene Friday night when a tavern reported a belligerent customer.
28-year-old Jeremy Lackey was being escorted out of the bar as police arrived when he suddenly rushed over to his vehicle and armed himself with a .40 caliber pistol.
A shootout ensued after the suspect fired 10 shots at police, striking Sgt. Cliff Laigast in the leg.
Police were able to apprehend Lackey after a K-9 was released during the gun battle.
Police later uncovered social media messages posted by Lackey before the shooting, including that he “wanted someone to pay” for his troubles and that he was going to “make bad choices,” according to WGNO and the Times-Picayune.
The suspect had reportedly had multiple prior run-ins with law enforcement in multiple states, including an armed standoff in 2014.
“His intention last night was to kill several of my officers,” Police Chief Randy Smith told the Times-Picayune.
Sgt. Laigast was treated for his injuries at a local hospital and released. Lackey faces three counts of attempted first degree murder of a police officer and one count of illegal use of a dangerous weapon in connection to the incident.