MARRERO, La. — The Jefferson Parish Sheriff’s Office is investigating a deadly shooting involving an officer with a regional Major Crimes Task Force.
It happened around 10:30 a.m. Thursday morning near 10th Street and Medical Center Boulevard in Marrero.
According to Sheriff Joe Lopinto, officers were conducting a narcotics investigation not far from West Jefferson Medical Center when the officer fired at the suspect.
Jefferson Parish Coroner Dr. Gerry Cvitanovich identified the drug suspect as Wendell Smith, 42, from New Orleans.
“During that narcotics investigation at least one of the officers shot an individual who was trying to flee in a car at that point in time here at this location,” Lopinto said.
According to Lopinto, the suspect threw at least one gun and narcotics into a drainage canal as he sped away.
Officers gave chase and caught up with him near Patriot and Mimosa Streets, not far from John Ehret High School.
You could see a bullet hole in the rear passenger side window of the suspect’s silver Lexus sedan.
“About 7 blocks south of here he ended up stopping,” Lopinto said. “At that point in time, they realized he had at least one gunshot wound. Started first aid and called for medical. He was transported to UMC and subsequently passed away at UMC.”
Authorities declined to give specific details about the drug investigation or why the deputy shot at the suspect.
One witness told our partners at the Times-Picayune, he heard about eight or nine shots,
Gretna Police Chief Arthur Lawson talked about narcotics problems on the West Bank.
“It is a problem that we deal with on a daily basis and dealing with not only the sale of drugs but individuals who are under the influence of drugs,” Lawson said.
Plaquemines Parish Sheriff Gerry Turlich who was on the scene, confirmed one of his deputies fired at the drug suspect. Plaquemines is part of the regional major crimes task force along with sheriff’s offices in Jefferson and Orleans Parishes and the Kenner, Harahan, Gretna, and Westwego Police Departments.
Lopinto said no officers were injured in the shooting. An autopsy is pending for Smith.
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