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Suspect dies after deputy-involved shooting in Marrero, Sheriff Lopinto says

​Jefferson Parish Coroner Dr. Gerry Cvitanovich identified the drug suspect as Wendell Smith, 42, from New Orleans.

MARRERO, La. — The Jefferson Parish Sheriff's Office is on the scene of a deputy-involved shooting in Marrero, La., on Thursday, Oct. 31.

JPSO announced the shooting, which involved the 'Major Crimes Task Force' conducting a narcotics investigation at approximately 10:30 a.m. on Medical Center Boulevard and 10th Street about two blocks from the West Jefferson Medical Center.

The Major Crimes Task Force consists of personnel from Kenner PD, Gretna PD, JPSO, Orleans Parish Sheriff's Office and Plaquemines Parish Sheriff's Office.

Plaquemines Parish Sheriff Gerald Turlich, who was on the scene, confirmed to WWL Louisiana that one of his deputies shot the suspect while he was attempting to flee in a vehicle. 

Jefferson Parish Coroner Dr. Gerry Cvitanovich identified the drug suspect as Wendell Smith, 42, from New Orleans. 

The suspect disposed of at least one weapon and narcotics within six blocks of the original crime scene. The suspect stopped in the 1500 block of Mimosa, and was taken into custody.

The suspect was transported to University Medical Center with a gunshot wound where he later died from his injuries.

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JPSO announced the shooting shortly after 11:30 a.m. and will hold a press conference shortly

Sheriff Joseph Lopinto and Gretna Police Chief Arthur Lawson addressed the media to provide further details.

"About seven blocks south of here, [the suspect] ended up stopping," explained Lopinto. "At that point in time, [deputies] realized he had at least one gunshot wound. They started first aid and called for medical. He was transported to UMC, but subsequently passed away."

There are no further details as to why the deputy fired on the suspect.

At this time, no law enforcement personnel were injured during the incident.

This is a developing story.

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