Shreveport Police Dept.

Date: Jan 20, 2009

Phone: (318) 525-5066 Fax: (318) 673-6933

Contact: Cpl Bill Goodin, Public Information Officer

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Shreveport Police Officer seriously injured in attack

A Shreveport Police officer has been seriously injured this afternoon as a result of a vicious attack.

At approximately 12:20 p.m. this afternoon, a Shreveport Police officer transported an inmate from the Shreveport City Jail to LSUHSC for evaluation. Upon arrival at the hospital, the officer and inmate were waiting in a room when the inmate attacked the officer without provocation or warning. LSUHSC police officers were notified by staff of the attack and were subsequently able to take the suspect into custody.

The suspect, identified as 27 year old Melvin Tyner of the 1600 block of Centenary in Shreveport, was arrested this morning at approximately 5:00 a. m. and booked into the Shreveport City Jail on one count of aggravated arson. Tyner allegedly started a fire in his apartment. Shreveport Police detectives have now charged Tyner with one count of attempted first degree murder and he is being booked into the Caddo Correctional Center.

The officer, whose name is not being released at this time as per Shreveport Police Department policy, received extensive injuries and is listed in fair condition.

Anyone with any information regarding the identity of this suspect are encouraged to call Crime Stoppers at 673-7373 or 1-800-222-TIPS (8477) or www.crimestoppersshreveportcaddo.com

-spd-

View all SPD press releases at www.shreveportla.gov