LIVINGSTON PARISH, LA (WAFB) – A man died after he allegedly exchanged gunfire with a Livingston Parish Sheriff’s Deputy, officials confirm. Troopers with the Louisiana State Police are investigating the shooting. They say the suspect, Blaine Justin Beason, 31, was shot by a deputy at roughly 11 a.m. near a home on Springwood Dr. near 4-H Club Rd.
“Upon looking through the barn, the deputy climbed up into the second story loft,” explains Livingston Parish Sheriff Jason Ard. “That is when he encountered Beason who was pointing a weapon at my deputy. My deputy, in defense, fired and fatally wounded Beason.”
Deputies were searching for Beason after he was involved in another alleged gunfight with deputies that happened at roughly 1 a.m.
UPDATE: New details on incident on Springwood Drive in Denham Springs.
Posted by Scottie Hunter WAFB on Wednesday, October 12, 2016
Officials with the Livingston Parish Sheriff’s Office say a deputy attempted to conduct a traffic stop after seeing a vehicle without a license plate. The car was traveling on Home Depot Dr. in Denham Springs.
“The deputy then attempted to stop the vehicle,” explains Livingston Parish Sheriff Jason Ard. “Once emergency lights were activated, the driver of the SUV fled at a high rate of speed. The deputy pursued the SUV from Rushing Rd onto 4-H Club Rd. where the driver came to an abrupt stop at the above intersection.”
Sheriff Ard says that the driver, later identified as Beason, pulled out a gun and shot at the deputy several times.
“My deputy returned fire,” Sheriff Ard noted. “The subject then fled west on Springwood Dr. – on foot. The LPSO deputy was not injured and it is believed, at this point, the driver of the vehicle was not injured.”
The deputy involved in the fatal shooting is on paid administrative leave, which is standard procedure.
“I am so thankful that not one – but two deputies – are safe and are able to return home to their families,” Ard added. “Today, we had one suspect – with no respect for authority – attempt to kill those who choose to serve and protect. It’s tragic, really. Decisions made by one individual, at the end of the day, cost him his life. My thoughts and prayers are with the suspect’s family. I’m thankful that my deputies are uninjured. I’m thankful that no citizen was hurt in the process.”
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