CALCASIEU PARISH — A Louisiana state trooper has died after being shot in the head Sunday afternoon.
A preliminary investigation indicated the incident took place shortly before 3:00 p.m. as Trooper Steven Vincent arrived at the scene of a Dodge pickup truck in a ditch near the intersection of LA Hwy 14 and Fruge Road in Calcasieu Parish. Upon arrival, Trooper Vincent verified the truck as matching the description of a previously reported reckless vehicle and made contact with the sole occupant, identified as Kevin Daigle, 54, of Lake Charles, LA.
During the course of the interaction, Daigle produced a shotgun and fired at Trooper Vincent, striking him in the head.
Daigle attempted to flee the scene, but several passing motorists successfully detained him while others began to render aid to Trooper Vincent and called for emergency assistance. Responding Troopers, law enforcement, and medical personnel from the area arrived at the scene shortly thereafter placing Daigle into custody and transporting Trooper Vincent via Acadian Air Med to Lake Charles Memorial Hospital.
“This afternoon, the very foundation of our department was shaken by the malicious act of an individual against a Trooper simply attempting to render assistance,” stated Col. Mike Edmonson. “As an organization, we are heartbroken over this senseless and tragic death. Our thoughts and prayers are with his surviving wife Katherine and his son Ethan as well as his entire extended family. This loss exacts an enormous emotional toll on the State Police family, but we will do what is necessary and proper to honor Steve and support those who knew and loved him. He will be missed but never forgotten.”
At this time, the investigation into the incident remains ongoing. Vincent was a 13-year state police veteran in southwest Louisiana and member of a law enforcement family.
