JPSO shot an elderly man this morning.
Jefferson Parish deputies had a search warrant for a home in the 5000 block of Senac Dr. in Metairie.
When they searched the house in the quiet residential neighborhood, Sheriff Joe Lopinto says the 79-year -old suspect, James Millet III, greeted police with a gun.
"He was in possession of a handgun. I believe my deputy was armed with a patrol rifle."
Lopinto says the deputy fired one shot, and the bullet went through the elderly suspect's shoulder.
The sheriff says they were assisting the Louisiana Attorney General's Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force.
Lopinto defended his deputy's action and laid the blame for the shooting on the 79-year-old Internet sex crimes suspect.
"If he doesn't put a gun in his hand, this thing never does escalate."
"No deputies were injured. The suspect suffered a non-life threatening gunshot wound to the arm and is being treated at a local hospital," Captain Jason Rivarde said.
JPSO released the following statement:
Sheriff Joseph Lopinto reports that the Jefferson Parish Sheriff’s Office is investigating a deputy-involved shooting that occurred this morning in Metairie.
Just after 9:00 am, deputies were at a residence in the 5000 block of Senac Drive assisting the Louisiana Attorney General’s Office in serving a search warrant for internet crimes against children. Upon knocking and announcing their presence, the female resident opened the door and exited the residence. She warned deputies that her husband remained inside. Deputies entered and cleared the residence, finding the male in a rear bedroom. He initially refused to exit.
When deputies entered the bedroom, the man was armed with a handgun he refused to surrender. One deputy fired one round, striking the suspect in the right shoulder. Deputies were then able to secure the weapon and take him into custody. After being rendered aid on the scene, the suspect was transported to UMC for treatment.
The suspect has been identified as James Millet III, 79. Upon his release from the hospital, he will be booked with aggravated assault on a police officer. Additional charges are likely following the completion of the Attorney General’s Office investigation.