Crime & Safety
Louisiana Sheriff's Deputy Killed In Baton Rouge Shooting
The slain deputy had been with the East Baton Rouge Parish Sheriff's office since 1999.
BATON ROUGE, LA — An East Baton Rouge sheriff's deputy was killed when gunfire broke out during a rape investigation in Baton Rouge Saturday, according to a news release.
Two sheriff's deputies entered a business around 11 p.m. in reference to a rape investigation when the deputies struggled with a suspect and shots were fired, the sheriff's office said. One of the deputies was taken to a local hospital for treatment but he later succumbed to his injuries.
The suspect was also injured and taken to a local hospital for treatment.
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Authorities identified the slain deputy as 43-year-old Shawn Thomas Anderson.
“Our hearts are broken as we grieve for one of our brothers,” East Baton Rouge Parish Sheriff Sid Gautreaux said. “We ask for your continued prayers and support during this difficult time as we mourn the loss and honor the memory of Sgt. Shawn Anderson.”
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Anderson joined the sheriff's office in May 1999 and served in various divisions including narcotics and SWAT. In 2010, he was presented with the life-saving award for saving a woman's life, according to a short bio provided by the sheriff's office.
In March 2016, he helped deliver a baby on the side of a road.
“You put me in an active shooter situation, I’m there. I know exactly what to do,” Anderson told the Baton Rouge Advocate at the time. “Done a lot and seen a lot. Nothing really rattles me that much, but that was totally outside of my element. That right there, that got me. Thank God everything worked out.”
Officials in Louisiana offered their condolences to the family of the slain deputy.
Louisiana Gov. John Bel Edwards sent a tweet that came directly from him offering prayers for the family of the deputy.
Such a tragic event last night in Baton Rouge. Donna & I are praying for the family of the @EBRSheriff killed in the line of duty. - JBE
— Gov John Bel Edwards (@LouisianaGov) March 19, 2017
The Louisiana State Police offered their thoughts and prayers to the sheriff's department.
State police will be conducting the investigation into the shooting.
In July, three Louisiana law enforcement officers, including an East Baton Rouge Parish sheriff's deputy, were killed in a targeted shooting.
Image Credit: EBRSO
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