ASCENSION PARISH, La. — Louisiana State Police have released video footage and new information about a Sept. 30 traffic stop that led to a fatal officer-involved shooting, WAFB reported.
The incident occurred after a state trooper initiated a traffic stop on an SUV for a burned-out taillight, according to the report.
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In the body camera and dashcam footage, released on Oct. 10, the driver can be seen getting out of the car and walking to speak with the trooper. The trooper informs the driver of the broken taillight.
The driver, who appeared to be cooperative and respectful during the initial exchange, told the trooper the light had been damaged at a car wash and that he was on his way to pick up his wife from work.
The trooper then asked the man if there were any weapons in the vehicle before instructing him to get his license and registration. The man stated that there were not.
When the trooper followed him to the driver’s side door, he spotted a firearm inside the vehicle, according to the Louisiana State Police. The trooper informed the driver he was being detained, at which point a struggle began inside the vehicle.
“Knowing there was a firearm inside and observing [the suspect] reaching for it, the trooper continued trying to gain control of [the suspect’s] hands inside the vehicle,” State Police said in a statement.
The suspect then began accelerating the vehicle during the struggle, which caused the trooper’s body camera to become dislodged, according to officials.
Dashcam footage then shows the trooper firing multiple shots at the vehicle as the suspect drives away.
The trooper pursued the SUV and later located it with the suspect inside, suffering from critical gunshot injuries, according to the report. EMS crews attempted life-saving measures, but the suspect died at the scene.
A handgun was recovered nearby, and LSP says the crime lab confirmed the weapon belonged to the suspect. Police noted that the suspect was legally barred from owning a firearm due to previous felony convictions.
The case remains under investigation. Louisiana State Police say they will turn over the full report to the District Attorney’s Office for further review.
