A high-speed chase from Choudrant to Ruston on Interstate 20 and then north to near Dubach has ended when an armed suspect was shot and killed by Lincoln Parish deputies.
At about 9:25 p.m. Saturday night, deputies of the Lincoln Parish Sheriff’s Office attempted a traffic stop on a vehicle in Choudrant. The suspect failed to stop, leading to a pursuit lasting approximately 16 miles, according to a statement by LPSO. During the pursuit, deputies reported seeing the driver holding a handgun out the driver’s side window.
The suspect came to a stop on U.S. 167 near Paradise Point Lane between Vienna and Unionville. The suspect exited the vehicle armed with a handgun. According to LPSO, deputies issued multiple commands for the suspect to drop the weapon. When the suspect failed to comply and made movements perceived as a threat, deputies discharged their firearms.
Emergency medical services were immediately requested, and life-saving efforts were initiated at the scene by the Ruston Fire Department. Despite those efforts, the suspect died at the scene. Another individual was also struck and transported to an area hospital for minor injuries. No deputies were injured during the encounter.
The Northeast Louisiana Sheriff’s Investigative Unit was contacted and briefed on the incident.
Seven local sheriffs formed the NLSIU in 2021. Its purpose is to provide outside investigators to examine in-custody deaths and use-of-force cases in each member parish. A team of investigators from outside Lincoln Parish responded to handlethe investigation of the incident.
This investigation is ongoing. The Lincoln Parish Journal will provide additional information as it is released by authorities.
