An early morning shooting involving a Louisiana State Police trooper in Ascension Parish resulted in a death, with the family of the deceased demanding clarification after identifying him.

Louisiana State Police confirmed the incident occurred around 2 a.m. on LA Highway 431 near its intersection with Highway 935, close to St. Amant High School. Initial reports from WAFB indicate a trooper stopped a vehicle, after which shots were fired, leading to one fatality. No injuries were reported among the officers involved.

NICHOLAS has been identified by his relatives. They stated he was transported to St. Elizabeth Hospital in Gonzales and was pronounced dead upon arrival. His family expressed frustration, claiming that hospital personnel initially barred them from viewing the body and later indicated an autopsy would be conducted at a facility in Jefferson Parish.

Regarding the identification process, a family spokesperson mentioned that authorities used NICHOLAS’s driver’s license to confirm his identity.

The Louisiana State Police confirmed the use of force by the trooper but have provided no further details about the incident. Questions have been raised about why another agency has not taken over the investigation. Additionally, the scene caused significant traffic disruptions, with local authorities advising of delays and excusing late arrivals due to road closings affecting the area near St. Amant High School.

State Police have urged anyone with potential information—including photos or videos—about the incident to report it. Contact can be made anonymously via phone or online.

The investigation into the fatal encounter is still underway.