LIVINGSTON PARISH, Louisiana – An armed man who was wanted for attempted first degree murder of a Louisiana police officer was found hiding in a barn and was fatally shot during an altercation.
Blaine Justin Beason, 31, was wanted by the Livingston Parish Sheriff’s Office after he was pulled over a day before and attempted to shoot and kill a police officer.
“A deputy, while on patrol, spotted an older model, dark-colored SUV without a license plate,” said Sheriff Jason Ard at the time of the incident. “The deputy then attempted to stop the vehicle. Once emergency lights were activated, the driver of the SUV fled at a high rate of speed.”
Ard said the deputy pursued the vehicle until the driver came to an abrupt stop.
Beason–while attempting to exit the vehicle–shot at the deputy numerous times, prompting the officer to return fire. Beason then fled on foot, uninjured. Likewise, the officer was not injured in the altercation.
After releasing a warrant for Beason’s arrest, another officer found Beason’s the following day.
The officer was checking out a barn behind a residence when he climbed into the second story loft, locating Beason who was pointing a gun.
“My deputy, in defense, fired and fatally wounded Beason,” Ard said.
“I am so thankful that not one–but two deputies–are safe and are able to return home to their families,” said Ard in a statement. “Today, we had one suspect–with no respect for authority–attempt to kill those who choose to serve and protect. It’s tragic, really. Decisions made by one individual, at the end of the day, cost him his life. My thoughts and prayers are with the suspect’s family. I’m thankful that my deputies are uninjured. I’m thankful that no citizen was hurt in the process.”
The Louisiana State Police will be responsible for the investigation surrounding the officer-involved shooting.
The officer involved in Beason’s death is on administrative leave with pay, per the Sheriff’s Office policy, according to Ard.
John Binder is a contributor for Breitbart Texas. Follow him on Twitter at @JxhnBinder.
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