On Sunday, authorities reported that a gunman shot and injured three police officers while they were responding to a shooting outside a home in Kenner, Louisiana.
During a joint news conference, Sheriff Joseph Lopinto revealed that the suspect, Matthew Lathers, aged 31, was ultimately killed by a sniper from the Jefferson Parish Sheriff’s Office.
At approximately 9:45 a.m., Kenner police responded to a call regarding two individuals who had been shot outside a residence. According to Kenner Police Capt. Michael Cunningham, the victims were seated in a vehicle.
🚨#BREAKING: Law enforcement is on the scene of an active shooter with reported injuries including three officers who have been shot⁰⁰📌#Kenner | #Louisiana⁰
Multiple law enforcement and other authorities are on the scene in tactical gear responding to an active shooter… pic.twitter.com/rY0z95cEZw— R A W S A L E R T S (@rawsalerts) April 28, 2024
“We believed they were either going to or coming from church, they just happened to stop there in front of that residence and that’s when they were shot,” Cunningham said.
According to a joint statement from Lopinto and Kenner Police Chief Keith Conley, the two victims led responding officers to the residence from which the gunfire originated.
According to a joint statement, detectives identified the address as that of a family member of Lathers. It was revealed that Lathers had an outstanding warrant for attempted murder and armed robbery earlier in the week.
After obtaining a search warrant, a SWAT team arrived at the scene to execute it. Upon entering the home, they were met with immediate gunfire, as stated.
⚠️🇺🇸Update to today’s shooting of Matthew lathers Kenner police Department in Louisiana and swat team. We’re trying to gain entrance and three officers were shot in injured. This is a picture of the bearcat they were using one of the officers is still in the hospital in stable… pic.twitter.com/IpSESy0zTZ
— Todd Paron🇺🇸🇬🇷🎧👽 (@tparon) April 28, 2024
“At least one SWAT member returned fire. Three officers were shot, and it is unknown at this time if Lathers was struck during that initial contact.”
“Multiple attempts were made to contact Lathers to open negotiations, but all efforts were unsuccessful,” as stated.
Lathers sustained fatal injuries after a sniper shot him, as reported by Lopinto. His death was confirmed at the scene.
Cunningham reported that two of the injured Kenner police officers have been discharged from the hospital, while the third remains in stable condition.
As per the police captain, the two innocent bystanders who were injured earlier in the day are now both in stable condition at the hospital. The sheriff’s office will lead the investigation into the shooting incident. Kenner is approximately 13 miles west of New Orleans.
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