Sunset Police Officer Henry Nelson and Shameka Johnson, 40, died in the stabbing and shooting incident in Sunset today, Sheriff Bobby Guidroz said.
Two other people -- Courtney Jolivette, the suspect's wife; and Surlay Johnson are at area hospitals listed in critical condition.
The suspect has been identified as Harrison Lee Riley Jr. of Arnaudville.
The incident began early this afternoon at a home on Anna Street in Sunset. Sheriff Guidroz says Riley went to a home on Anna Street to confront his wife, which is where he stabbed her, as well as the sisters of the Grand Coteau Mayor, Shameka and Surlay Johnson. The Johnsons' mother is said to have minor injuries, but she did not go to the hospital. According to the Acadiana Advocate, Riley is a relative of the Johnsons.
Police were called to the scene, and officer Henry Nelson of Sunset was the first to respond. The sheriff says Riley fought with Nelson and ended up shooting him with the officer's gun.
Riley then allegedly fled the scene and crashed into a mini mart on Napoleon Street where he barricaded himself inside.
Louisiana State Police negotiated with the suspect and other responding officers used tear gas in an attempt to remove him from the store. They successfully apprehended him around 6:30 p.m.
Guidroz says Riley is being held for observation at the hospital after complaining of a hurt rib. He will be booked in the St. Landry Parish Jail on several charges, including first degree murder of a police officer and first degree murder for Johnson's death.
We spoke to Lena Truong who says her sister, Nini Truong was inside the Sunset Mini Mart when the suspect allegedly ran his car into the store and pointed a gun at the Nini. An Instagram photo uploaded in Sunset at 4:28 p.m. apparently showed the scene in Sunset. The user says the suspect ran people over, ran his car into a store and was "in the store with a shotgun looking like Rambo."
Acadian Ambulance says Air Med has transported one patient; a total of eight ambulances and three helicopters responded to the scene so far. St. Landry EMS has also transported one person to the hospital.
Agencies who have responded include State Police, Lafayette deputies, Lafayette Police, St. Landry deputies, Carencro Police, and Sunset Police.
Read more about Riley's criminal history HERE.
Harrison Lee Riley Jr
Officer Henry Nelson
