Suspect caught after manhunt for cop shooter on the Northshore, police shot suspect

Cop Shot
Photo credit TPSO

Police says they have caught the suspect that shot a police officer this morning in Tangipahoa Parish.

"TPSO is working alongside multiple law enforcement agencies at this hour to locate an armed and dangerous suspect," the sheriff's office posted around 5:00am.

Authorities captured the man before 7:00am.

The search was in the area of McMichael Church Road off of Highway 51 just south of Amite.

"This incident began as a traffic stop where a TPSO deputy was threatened with a gun. Following a brief vehicle pursuit, a second traffic stop was made in the Town of Independence where the suspect shot an Independence Police officer in the leg."

Authorities describe the officer's wounds as "non-life threatening."

WWL TV images show bullet holes in the front doors of Independence Town Hall.

Shooting
Photo credit WWL TV

TPSO says after he shot the police officer, the suspect ran into a wooded area near the intersection of Highways 51 and 40 before stealing a car and driving north.

They say he then hid in another wooded area off McMichael Church Road in Amite.

Louisiana State Police posted additional details, saying the suspect was also shot.

"During the incident, shots were exchanged between the subject, an LSP Trooper, and a Tickfaw Police Department Officer. As a result, the subject was struck by gunfire and transported to a local hospital."

LSP says another deputy was also hurt, but did not say how.

"A Tangipahoa Parish Sheriff’s Office Deputy sustained injuries and was transported to a hospital."

This all happened just hours after a SWAT standoff in nearby Tickfaw where a Tangipahoa Parish deputy shot an armed suspect that investigators described as "experiencing a mental health crisis." There are no indications that the events are related to one another.

Featured Image Photo Credit: TPSO