BATON ROUGE, LA – The Baton Rouge Police Department (BRPD) Homicide Division is actively investigating an officer-involved shooting that occurred in the early hours of the morning on Washington Avenue, leaving one person dead and raising questions across the community.
At approximately 3:42 a.m., BRPD officers responded to a disturbance call at a residence in the 5100 block of Washington Ave. The caller reported that an emotionally distressed individual, believed to be under the influence of narcotics, was causing concern and posing a possible threat.
Upon arrival, officers encountered a 38-year-old male subject holding a sharp object, escalating the situation into a potentially dangerous encounter. According to BRPD, officers attempted to de-escalate the situation using non-lethal means and deployed a Taser in an effort to subdue the individual. Unfortunately, the Taser proved ineffective.
As the confrontation intensified, one officer discharged their firearm, striking the subject. Officers immediately administered emergency medical aid and called for EMS. Despite their efforts, the man was pronounced deceased at the scene.
The identity of the deceased has not yet been released, pending family notification.
As per department policy, the two officers involved in the shooting have been placed on administrative leave while the investigation unfolds. BRPD emphasizes that this is standard protocol in any incident involving the use of deadly force.
“This remains an active and ongoing investigation,” BRPD stated. “We are committed to transparency and will provide additional details as they become available.”
The incident has sparked both concern and calls for clarity within the Baton Rouge community, especially regarding the handling of mental health and substance-related crises. Local leaders and residents alike are urging for a thorough and transparent investigation.
Anyone with information or questions about the case is encouraged to contact the Baton Rouge Police Department.
As the city awaits more answers, one family is left mourning the loss of a loved one, and a department prepares to navigate the difficult aftermath of yet another tragic encounter.
