A shooting incident occurred at a well-known shopping center in Denham Springs, and authorities are conducting an investigation into the matter.
The incident took place outside the Big Lots and Petco stores on South Range Avenue, sometime after 4 p.m.
Reports indicate that a police officer Shawn Kelly from Denham Springs was shot several times and is presently in a critical condition.
Blood donations are desperately needed for the Denham Springs police officer shot in the line of duty Thursday. Donations can be made at the Our Lady of the Lake Blood Donor Center starting at 8 a.m. Friday.
It’s important that you let OLOL know the donation is for the Denham Springs police officer when donating.
The suspect in the case has been identified as a 30-year-old man named Justin Roberts by the Denham Springs Police Department.
The sheriff, Jason Ard, has confirmed that Roberts passed away from his injuries while undergoing treatment at the hospital.
Ard mentioned that there are still many unanswered questions in the case, particularly due to the influence of weather.
The investigation team is currently working with their partners to further analyze the incident’s details.
According to the police, an altercation between a man and a woman had taken place, and the suspect opened fire when the officers arrived.
After the shooting, the suspect fled the scene in a vehicle and was subsequently shot by Livingston Parish deputies at another location.
Multiple law enforcement agencies, including the Denham Springs Police, Livingston Parish Sheriff’s Office, and State Police, are actively involved in the ongoing investigation at the scene.
Our officer involved in the shooting today is still in critical condition & fighting for his life. Chief Walker continues to ask for prayers for Cpl Shawn Kelly, his family and his brothers in blue.
Denham Springs Police officer Shawn Kelly injured in shooting in PetCo parking lot