Tragedy struck as a sheriff’s deputy and father of two lost his life, while another officer remains critically injured after both were shot during a confrontation with an arrestee at a Louisiana courthouse Monday evening, according to law enforcement officials.
Deputy Charles Riley, a six-year veteran serving with the Iberville Parish Sheriff’s Office, was killed during a struggle with a man accused of sexual assault who attempted to seize his firearm, as stated by the Louisiana State Police.
Riley was interviewing the suspect, Latrell Clark, 27, alongside Captain Brett Stassi Jr., son of Sheriff Brett Stassi, within the Plaquemine courthouse, which includes offices for local government and the sheriff’s department, as reported by authorities.
Clark, who was being booked for a sexual assault allegation, reportedly attempted to grab one of the officers’ guns, leading to a violent confrontation, according to state police.
Gunfire erupted, but it remains unclear if the shots were fired from the same weapon or the identity of the individual who discharged the gun.
Authorities confirmed that Clark was shot during the altercation.
Both officers were seriously injured and transported to a local hospital, where Deputy Riley succumbed to his injuries. Captain Stassi Jr. is reported to be in critical but stable condition, according to the sheriff’s office.
“We are all in disbelief and heartbroken; such violence is rare in our community,” remarked Iberville Parish deputy Ronnie Hebert to the Shreveport Times.
Hebert expressed that in his 31 years of service, he had never been involved in an incident where a deputy was shot or killed.
He described Riley as “an outstanding deputy and a wonderful individual” and noted that “everyone respected and liked him.”
While details regarding the ongoing investigation remain undisclosed, the case has been handed over to the Louisiana State Police for further inquiries, with the FBI providing assistance, the report indicated.
Louisiana Governor Jeff Landry called upon the community for “prayers” during this difficult time.
“We need to put an end to the violence,” he urged in a post on X.
The sheriff’s office is organizing multiple blood drives in tribute to Captain Stassi Jr., who remains in intensive care as of Tuesday morning.
“He continues to battle for his life, and we’re asking everyone to keep him and our sheriff’s family in their thoughts and prayers,” his father, Sheriff Brett Stassi, conveyed on Facebook.
