KENNER, La. (WGNO) — Three Kenner Police officers are recovering after a standoff that led to a fatal deputy-involved shooting on Sunday, April 28.
The sounds of flash-bangs going off could be heard as multiple law enforcement agencies worked to end an hours-long standoff in Kenner.
“It wasn’t until he took the positions that he did that they fired upon him,” said Jefferson Parish Sheriff Joseph Lopinto.
KPD Captain Michael Cunningham says police responded to a call of a double shooting around 9:45 Sunday morning.
“We believe they were going to or coming from church, and stopped in front of the house when they were shot,” said Cunningham.
The victims told officers where the gunfire came from. They then recognized that the address belonged to a family member of 31-year-old Matthew Lathers, who was wanted for attempted murder and armed robbery earlier in the week.
Police believe Lathers thought the two victims were police before shooting them.
“He knew that they were looking for him and what I think happened is some innocent people pulled up at the house, he thought it was police and fired at them,” said Lopinto.
Police obtained a search warrant before a swat team went inside the residence, where they were shot at. Three police officers were shot and at least one swat member returned fire. Kenner police then called Jefferson Parish deputies for assistance. Shortly after their arrival, officers said Lathers began shooting at an armored vehicle. Lopinto says a negotiator was brought out to talk to Lathers, but every attempt was unsuccessful.
“We attempted to negotiate with him numerous times, but there was never any answer or attempt to negotiate with us. It wasn’t until he took the position that he did that they fired upon him,” said Lopinto.
The standoff came to an end after a JPSO sniper managed to shoot Lathers.
“The same suspect came out with his rifle in the same location where one of our rifles was able to return fire on him and take him out at that time. He has been declared deceased at the scene,” said Lopinto.
All victims involved, have been treated and released from the hospital, according to Kenner Police.