x
Breaking News
More () »

Memorial fund created for fallen Mandeville PD captain

The "Vincent Liberto, Jr. Memorial Fund" is for donations to the slain officer's family, officials with Hancock Whitney say.

MANDEVILLE, La. — A Northshore organization has established a memorial fund for the Mandeville Police Department captain shot and killed in the line of duty Friday. 

Captain Vincent "Vinny" Liberto Jr. was a 25-year veteran of the Mandeville Police Department, served in the U.S. Marine Corps for 10 years, reaching the rank of sergeant, and was a graduate of Brother Martin High School. 

He was killed Friday afternoon in an apparent traffic-stop-turned-chase that ended with a 3-vehicle crash in Mandeville. At least one suspect in the chase emerged from the crash and reportedly shot into Liberto's car, fatally striking him. Another officer in the pursuit was wounded by gunfire and released from the hospital the same day. 

The Louisiana State Police are now heading the investigation into the attack. Neither suspects' identities have been released. 

RELATED: Mandeville officer shot and killed after chase, 2 arrested

Liberto is the first Mandeville police officer killed in the line of duty sine 1958. He leaves behind a wife and seven children, several of which are also in law enforcement and military members, MPD officials said. 

RELATED: Slain Mandeville police officer identified as Captain, 25-year veteran of force

On Friday night, Hancok Whitney vice president and Director of Social Media & Public Relations Janel Evans announced "The Vincent Liberto, Jr. Memorial Fund" was established through the bank. 

The fund is "to benefit the family of the slain Mandeville Police Captain who served the Mandeville community for over 25 years," Evans said. 

According to Evans, the fund was established by the Mandeville Family Reunion, the local event organization behind the annual lakefront party of the same name. 

Starting immediately, donations to the Liberto family can be made through the bank at any branch in the area. 

MPD officials have not yet said whether this fund will be the official place to donate to their fallen captain.

More information on a memorial service for Liberto will be available next week, MPD officials said.

MORE: Community mourns loss of Mandeville police officer killed in line of duty

MORE: Slain Mandeville officer first killed in line of duty since 1958

4 THINGS TO KNOW NEWSLETTER

 

► Stay in the know with Southeast Louisiana's top stories to start your workday. Sign up for the 4 Things to Know email newsletter to get headlines delivered to your inbox. Click here to sign up!

Before You Leave, Check This Out