Louisiana State Police are investigating after an inmate was shot and killed Wednesday morning while being transported to Baton Rouge for a court appearance.
ST. FRANCISVILLE, La. (BRPROUD) -- Louisiana State Police are investigating after an inmate was shot and killed Wednesday morning while being transported to Baton Rouge for a court appearance.
Troopers said the shooting happened on U.S. Highway 61 near the Mississippi state line in West Feliciana Parish.
According to the Catahoula Parish Sheriff's Department, two inmates were being taken to East Baton Rouge to appear in court. After entering Louisiana, an inmate, identified as Raymond Huddleston, 46, reportedly faked a seizure, causing deputies to pull over.
Once pulled over, the officers opened the van door to check on Huddleston. Huddleston jumped out of the vehicle and attacked the officers, according to the sheriff's department. LSP said he had removed his restraints and attempted to take one of the officers' guns.
LSP said the officer retrieved the gun and Huddleston entered the vehicle while the other inmate was still inside and tried to flee the area.
State police said at least one officer discharged their firearm into the van and hit Huddleston.
"Despite the officers attempting to render first aid, Huddleston succumbed to injuries received at the scene. The officers were transported to a local hospital for treatment of minor injuries," LSP said.
The second inmate was not involved, according to state police.
LSP asks that anyone with information, pictures or video submit it anonymously online or by calling the LSP Fusion Center Hotline at 1-800-434-8007.
