Gov. Bobby Jindal has ordered flags at state buildings in Louisiana to be flown at half-staff to honor Trooper Steven Vincent, who died after being shot in the head during a traffic stop for a “suspected impaired driver.”
According to a press release from Jindal’s office, he said, “Supriya and I are deeply saddened by the loss of Trooper Steven Vincent. Steven was an honorable husband, father and State Trooper who courageously served our state for over a decade.”
“Brave men and women like Steven put their lives in danger every day to protect our families, and we are extremely grateful to them for keeping us safe,” Jindal continued. “Our thoughts and prayers are with Steven’s family and all of our law enforcement members as we mourn this tragic loss.”
“I am very saddened to report that Senior Trooper Steven Vincent has passed away this morning from the gunshot wounds he suffered yesterday in conjunction with a traffic investigation,” Louisiana State Police Superintendent Colonel Mike Edmonson said in a statement Monday, according to ABC News. “As an organization, we are heartbroken over this senseless and tragic death.”
“He embodied what it means to be a Louisiana State Trooper,” Edmonson said during a news conference.
Vincent, 44, who has a wife and a 9-year-old son, responded Sunday afternoon to a pickup truck in a ditch that matched “the description of a previously reported reckless vehicle,” state police reported.
When Vincent approached the truck and told the driver help was on the way, the man allegedly fired at him with his shotgun, critically wounding him in the head.
The suspect was identified as 54-year old Kevin Daigle of Lake Charles, who attempted to flee the scene but was held back by several individuals until police arrived, said the report, and took him into custody.
With Vincent’s death, Daigle will be charged with first-degree murder and aggravated battery, police added.
COMMENTS
Please let us know if you're having issues with commenting.