Facebook Twitter WhatsApp SMS Email Print Copy article link Save An officer shot two people in an SUV that crashed during a chase and appeared ready to run him over, Louisiana State Police said in a news release Monday. An officer with the state Department of Public Safety was on Chippewa Street near Daisy Avenue around 8:30 p.m.
Sunday when he attempted to stop a Chevrolet Suburban for a traffic violation, leading to a vehicle pursuit, the release says. During the pursuit, the Chevrolet crashed into the officer's marked patrol unit on Brownlee Street, south of Bawell Street. The SUV then began accelerating toward the officer, who was standing nearby.
According to the release, the officer discharged his firearm, striking two people. Tyler Pugh, 33, of Baton Rouge, was driving the Suburban and suffered minor injuries. Another person sustained serious injuries and remained hospitalized Monday afternoon, the release says.
The third passenger was uninjured. Pugh was released from the hospital and booked into the East Baton Rouge Parish Prison on outstanding warrants. Additional charges are possible as the investigation continues, the release says.
No officers were harmed in the incident. In accordance with DPS policy, the officer involved has been placed on paid administrative leave, the release says. The investigation remains ongoing.
Anyone with information and/or pictures and video is asked to share that information anonymously with state police detectives through the Louisian.
