Shreveport Police Dept.

Date: March 16, 2003

Phone: 318/673-6932 Fax: 318/673-6933

Contact: Kacee Hargrave, Public Information Officer

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Police investigate officer-involved shooting

A 25-year-old Shreveport man was shot after he led police on a lengthy chase and attempted to run other drivers off the road.

The incident occurred after police received information about a gray Cadillac running people off the road at Hearne Avenue and Shreveport-Blanchard. When police attempted to stop the vehicle, the driver refused to stop and continued driving erratically southbound on Hearne Avenue.

Officers were about to end the pursuit when the man pulled into the Circle K at Hearne and Midway. He then exited the vehicle and walked away from the officers. After ignoring several commands to stop, the suspect turned suddenly and pointed what clearly appeared to be a pistol in the officers’ direction.

Videotapes taken of the incident verify officers’ statements that the man acted like he had a gun. He raised a black and silver object in front of him and aimed at one of the officers.

The officer retreated for cover, and two other officers discharged their weapons at the suspect.

The man was taken by Shreveport Fire Department to LSU Hospital where he was pronounced dead. His identity is not being released pending family notification.

An investigation revealed that the object was not a gun but a cell phone. It is not known at this time why the man acted as he did.

The three officers involved in the incident are on paid administrative leave pending an investigation.

-spd-

View all SPD press releases at www.ci.shreveport.la.us/dept/police/spdnews