A local man is dead and a police officer is injured following an early morning traffic stop and brief pursuit on Interstate 20.

At approximately 3:53 a.m. this morning, a Shreveport Police officer attempted to stop a vehicle near the intersection of Cotton Street and Common Street after observing the driver commit a traffic violation.

The driver of the vehicle refused to stop and fled the scene in an apparent attempt to elude authorities.

During a brief pursuit, the suspect, driving a tan colored 2000 Lincoln Town Car, continued to flee from officers at a high rate of speed, eventually traveling westbound onto Interstate 20 just west of the Linwood Avenue exit ramp.

During his attempts to evade capture, the driver lost control of the vehicle striking a concrete barrier alongside the interstate.

As officers approached the vehicle, the suspect refused to comply with their commands.

In his attempt to flee again, the suspect almost ran over one of the passengers who had jumped out of the vehicle when it hit the barrier.

One officer fired multiple shots at the driver of the car. The driver drove off eventually bringing his vehicle to a stop alongside the top of an embankment beyond the shoulder of the interstate.

The suspect was transported to LSU Health Shreveport where he was later pronounced deceased. One officer was treated at the hospital for minor injuries.

Chief of Police Willie Shaw has placed both of the officers involved on paid administrative leave in accordance with departmental policy.

Chief Shaw, who was on scene this morning, commented on the incident, saying, “This is an unfortunate situation for all involved and our prayers are with the officers and the family of the deceased.”

The name of the deceased suspect is not being released at this time pending notification of his next of kin.

The names of the police officers involved are not being released at this hour.
Investigators are continuing their investigation at this time.