Police Sniper Takes Down Gunman who Shot 3 Officers in Louisiana during SWAT Standoff
Kenner, LA: Authorities in Louisiana reported that a police sniper shot dead a gunman who had shot 3 officers in Kenner.
According to a statement from Kenner Police Chief Keith Conley and Joseph Lopinto of the Jefferson Parish Sheriff’s Office (JPSO), the incident occurred when police attempted to enter the residence of a man who was being sought in connection with a shooting that had taken place earlier in the day.
According to the statement, the individual responsible for the incident, Michael Lathers, 31, was fatally shot by a police sniper. Kenner is located about 15 miles west of New Orleans.
The statement reported that three officers from the Kenner Police Department were shot during the incident, and the suspect was later fatally shot by a JPSO deputy. All three Kenner officers are currently in stable condition at a local hospital.
An incident took place when authorities responded to a call in Kenner. Two individuals were shot outside a residence in the 700 block of Farm Avenue, according to the police.
The police stated that the victims of the shooting were able to identify the location where the gunfire came from. This crucial information allowed them to determine the identity of the gunman, Lathers. The police revealed that Lathers was already wanted for an attempted murder and armed robbery that took place in Kenner earlier in the week.
“There was a warrant for Lathers related to that incident,” stated the report.
“A search warrant was obtained, and the Kenner Police SWAT team arrived on scene to carry out the warrant.” The team entered the residence and immediately came under fire. One SWAT member fired back. During the incident, three officers were shot. It remains unclear whether Lathers was injured during the initial contact.
According to the police, the Kenner Police sought help from the Jefferson Parish Sheriff’s Office (JPSO). Shortly after, Lathers opened fire on a JPSO armored vehicle that had deputies inside. “Numerous efforts were made to reach out to Lathers in order to initiate negotiations, but unfortunately, none of these attempts proved successful.”
“Following a previous incident involving the armored vehicle, Lathers proceeded to reposition himself in order to once again engage with the vehicle,” stated the police. “Lathers met a tragic fate when a JPSO sniper took aim and fired, resulting in a fatal injury.” Lathers was declared deceased at the scene.
Reference: The Mirror US
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