Lake Charles, LA –
Earlier today at approximately 10:40 a.m., during an ongoing investigation regarding vehicle burglaries, Calcasieu Parish Sheriff’s Office deputies received information regarding a possible suspect vehicle, responsible for the burglaries, located at a pawn shop on Ryan Street in Lake Charles.
When deputies arrived, they located the suspect vehicle in the parking lot. When they attempted to make contact with the occupants, the vehicle fled the scene, nearly striking one of the deputies, at which time the deputy fired a shot into the vehicle.
A pursuit ensued, which ended near 5th Avenue and College Street in Lake Charles, when the vehicle crashed. One suspect attempted to flee on foot, but was quickly apprehended. Deputies located another individual in the vehicle, suffering from a gunshot wound.
The man was taken to a local hospital and is currently being treated. The suspect who attempted to flee on foot, along with another suspect who was located at the business on Ryan Street were taken into custody and are currently being questioned.
The investigation is in the preliminary stages and is continuing.
Sheriff Tony Mancuso has requested the Louisiana State Police conduct an investigation into the officer-involved shooting; all questions regarding the shooting should be deferred to them.
UPDATE:
Two of the suspects, Joshua R. Garcia, 18, Lake Charles, who fled from deputies on foot, and Nicholas D. Kirkum, 23, Lake Charles, who was located at the business, were arrested yesterday evening and booked into the Calcasieu Correctional Center.
Garcia was charged with resisting an officer by flight. Judge Michael Canaday set his bond at $5,000
Kirkum was charged with illegal possession of stolen things. His bond is still pending.
A warrant was issued for the other suspect, Dakota W. Hall, 27, Lake Charles, who is currently still in the hospital. He is charged with aggravated assault on a peace officer; aggravated flight from an officer; resisting an officer by flight. Judge Michael Canaday set his bond at $305,000.
The investigation is continuing into the vehicle burglaries and more charges are likely.
An arrest is an indication that probable cause exists to believe the subject was involved in the offense alleged. A person is innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.