Jefferson Parish Sheriff Joe Lopinto says a cop shot a drug suspect dead during an investigation this morning in Marrero.
The sheriff said they are still gathering information about what led to the officer using deadly force.
A multi-agency task force was conducting a drug investigation near 10th Street and Medical Center Boulevard, just off the Westbank Expressway.
"During that narcotics investigation, at least one of the officers shot an individual who was trying to flee in a car at that point in time," said Lopinto.
Lopinto said as the suspect was fleeing, he threw drugs and a gun from the vehicle.
The suspect's vehicle came to a stop near Patriot Street and Mimosa Street.
"About seven blocks south of here, he ended up stopping," Lopinto said. "At that point in time, they realized he ended up having at least one gunshot wound. They started first aid and called for medical. He was transported to UMC but has subsequently passed away at UMC."
The Jefferson Parish Coroner's Office later identified the man as 42-year-old Wendell Smith of New Orleans.
The task force is comprised of deputies from Jefferson, Orleans, and Plaquemines parishes, and officers from the police departments in Gretna and Kenner. Sheriff Lopinto did not say which agency's officer fired the shots.
