JEANERETTE, LA - Authorities have confirmed that during a standoff with an armed suspect, one police officer was killed and three other officers were injured.
According to KLFY, the suspect, 31-year-old Nyjal Hurst has been arrested after an hours long armed hostage standoff with multiple law enforcement agencies, including the SWAT team. On Thursday, July 25th, around 9:00 a.m., the Marshal's Office learned that Hurst was inside of a home located in the 2500 block of Martin Luther King Drive.
The incident began when the City Marshal attempted to serve an arrest warrant at the home. Upon arriving on scene, two people came out of the residents telling deputies that Hurst was inside. Instead of coming out, Hurst barricaded himself and two others, including a child. According to the Lafayette Police Department (LPD), during the standoff, Hurst fired multiple shots at the officers.
Two officers were hit with gunfire and bullet fragments hit the other two officers. One LPD officer died in the line of duty as a result of the incident and three other officers were injured. Those officers remain in good condition with non-life-threatening injuries and are expected to recover.
At the time of the incident, Hurst was wanted by the Iberia Parish Sheriff's Office (IPSO) for attempted first degree murder in a drive-by shooting. Court records also show that he was arrested in Lafayette Parish back in July 2023 for numerous charges, including possession of a firearm by a convicted felon.
Authorities said that Hurst was known to have outstanding arrest warrants for Jeanerette Police Department for aggravated second degree battery and home invasion. The Marshal's Office said that Hurst also has warrants for St. Mary Parish Sheriff's Office for armed robbery, illegal use of weapons, attempted car jacking, domestic abuse, battery child endangerment by strangulation, and two counts of aggravated battery.
According to WWLTV, the names of the officers who were injured as well as the officer who died in the line of duty, have not yet been released by LPD. The Louisiana State Police (LSP) will be investigating the officer-involved shooting and are asking anyone with photos or video of what happened to send them in.
LSP said in a statement, "Investigators are working to gather information and the Louisiana State Police Crime Lab is responding to process the scene. This is an active investigation; additional information will be released when it comes available."
Mayor Monique Boulet said in a statement, "I am deeply saddened to share the news of the recent loss of one of our cherished community members and a devoted police officer of the Lafayette Police Department. This rare and tragic event brings us great sadness and grief. Our hearts go out to the officer's family, friends, and colleagues during this incredibly difficult time. To honor their courage and dedication, I ask that you join me in prayer and support for all those affected by this heartbreaking loss."
Hurst has an extensive criminal history dating back to 2011. At his first court appearance, a $500,000 bond was set. He has not yet been charged in connection the officer's death.
