Louisiana State Police are investigating a deputy-involved shooting in Pointe Coupee Parish from Dec. 22nd.
Officials said just before 6:00 p.m., a Pointe Coupee Parish Sheriff’s Deputy and a Livonia Police Officer responded to a disturbance call on Cleveland Rd. in the Town of Fordoche.
Area residents had called 911, and reported that Jessie Lee Gaither IV, 48, of Opelousas, drove his truck through the front of a residence, which resulted in substantial damage. Troops said Gaither then exited the vehicle showing a knife in one hand and a gun in the other. According to State Police, after attempting to set the house on fire, Gaither left the residence & walked up the street. Area residents reported Gaither’s actions and that he was armed with a gun.
As officers arrived on the scene, they made contact with Gaither, but troopers said he showed them a knife. Officers gave Gaither repetitive verbal commands to stop advancing towards them; however, he refused according to State Police. An officer then attempted to subdue Gaither by discharging his Taser, but it was unsuccessful. Gaither then pulled out a firearm, which was later determined to be a flare gun, and discharged it at the officers. It’s at this time that troopers said an officer shot & hit Gaither.
Gaither was pronounced dead on the scene by the Pointe Coupee Parish Coroner’s Office.
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