Gunman Injures Police Officers in Kenner, Louisiana: A Tragic Incident Unfolds

A gunman fired and injured three police officers as they responded to a gunshot outside a residence in Kenner, Louisiana, on Sunday, according to authorities.

The suspect, Matthew Lathers, 31, was fatally shot by a Jefferson Parish Sheriff’s Office sniper, according to Sheriff Joseph Lopinto at a joint news conference.

Two persons were shot outside a home around 9:45 a.m., prompting Kenner police to respond. Kenner Police Capt. Michael Cunningham informed reporters that the victims were sitting in a vehicle. “We believed they were either going to or coming from church, they just happened to stop there in front of that residence and that’s when they were shot,” said Cunningham.

According to a joint statement issued by Lopinto and Kenner Police Chief Keith Conley, the two victims showed responding officers the location where the gunfire originated. Detectives identified the address as belonging to a family member of Lathers; Lathers had an outstanding warrant for attempted murder and armed robbery from earlier in the week, according to the statement.

Police acquired a search warrant, and a SWAT squad arrived on the spot to carry it out. When the squad entered the house, they “immediately began receiving fire,” according to the statement. “At least one SWAT team member returned fire. Three cops were fired, and it is unknown whether Lathers was hit during the initial engagement.”

Kenner police then sought assistance from the sheriff’s office. When deputies arrived, the suspect opened fire on the armored vehicle they were in, according to the statement. “Multiple attempts were made to contact Lathers to open negotiations, but all efforts were unsuccessful,” according to the statement.

According to Lopinto, a sniper shot Lathers, who died as a result. Lathers was pronounced deceased on the scene.

Cunningham said two of the Kenner police officers who were injured have been released from the hospital, while the third remains in stable condition.

The two innocent bystanders who were shot earlier in the day are likewise in stable condition at the hospital, according to the police captain. The sheriff stated that his agency would be in charge of the investigation into the shooting.

Kenner is approximately 13 miles west of New Orleans.