SUNSET, La., Aug. 26 (UPI) — A police officer and a woman, who was the sister of a Louisiana mayor, were killed during a domestic violence incident Wednesday — after which the suspect endured a long standoff with police after crashing his car into a mini-mart, authorities said.
St. Landry Parish Sheriff Bobby Guidroz told the Advocate that Sunset, La. police Officer Henry Nelson, 51, was shot to death after responding to a domestic call Wednesday afternoon.
Three women at the house had been stabbed — two of whom died. One of the female victims was identified as Shameka Johnson, 40 — a sister of Grand Coteau, La., Mayor Shaterral Johnson.
The surviving female stab victim, officials said, is the wife of suspected gunman Harrison Lee Wiley, Jr.
After allegedly shooting Nelson, police say Wiley drove his car into a nearby convenience store and holed up with three customers inside.
Guidroz said the people were able to escape the building safely and despite earlier reports, there were no hostages. He said law enforcement attempted to use tear gas to get Wiley out of the gas station.
CNN reported the suspect sustained irritation to his eyes, possibly from the tear gas. He was transported to a Lafayette hospital for treatment.
Authorities said drug use is suspected in the case.
“When people ingest illegal drugs, they get brave, they get stupid,” Guidroz told NBC News.
Sunset is located about 60 miles west of Baton Rouge.
