A St. Tammany Parish Sheriff’s Office (STPSO) deputy was tragically killed early Sunday morning (March 23) after being struck by a suspect’s vehicle while attempting to deploy a spike strip during a high-speed pursuit, officials confirmed.
The fallen deputy, a sergeant with STPSO, has not yet been publicly identified as authorities work to notify family members.
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Incident Details
According to the St. Tammany Parish Sheriff’s Office, the sergeant was assisting in the pursuit by placing a spike strip along Interstate 10 near the Oak Harbor exit in Slidell when the fleeing vehicle struck and fatally injured him.
“This is a devastating loss for our department,” Sheriff Randy Smith said. “Our hearts are with the fallen sergeant’s family and loved ones during this difficult time.”
Pursuit and Apprehension
The circumstances that led to the chase remain unclear, but authorities confirmed that the vehicle, occupied by juvenile suspects, was pursued across Orleans Parish by STPSO, Louisiana State Police, and the New Orleans Police Department (NOPD).
The chase came to a violent end around 12:30 a.m. when the suspect’s vehicle collided with an NOPD unit on Interstate 10 near Crowder Boulevard in New Orleans East. All suspects were taken into custody.
Injuries and Investigation
An NOPD officer inside the patrol unit struck during the crash sustained injuries but has since been treated and released from the hospital. The juvenile suspects were also hospitalized for injuries related to the crash and are reported to be in stable condition.
Authorities have not yet disclosed the identities of the suspects or the charges they may face. The investigation into the events leading up to the fatal pursuit remains ongoing.
Community Mourns Fallen Deputy
The St. Tammany Parish Sheriff’s Office, along with law enforcement agencies across the state, is mourning the loss of one of their own. The fallen sergeant’s dedication to public safety and service will be honored in the coming days, with funeral arrangements to be announced.
More details are expected as the investigation unfolds.
