Louisiana State Police Trooper Critically Injured, Another Trooper Hurt After Being Struck by Police Vehicle During Pursuit

HAMMOND, Louisiana -- Two Louisiana State Police troopers were injured after they were struck by a patrol vehicle driven by a Hammond Police Officer early Wednesday morning.

The troopers from Troop L were dispatched around 2:15 a.m. to assist the Hammond Police Department with a vehicle pursuit that started within the city limits of Hammond, according to a news release.

During the course of the pursuit, one trooper sustained severe injuries and another trooper sustained minor injuries.

As the pursuit continued on Wardline Road west of Interstate 55, troopers deployed a tire deflation device to disable the suspect vehicle near the intersection with Kate Street. After successfully disabling the suspect vehicle’s tires, troopers were retrieving the device from the roadway when they were struck by a Hammond police vehicle involved in the pursuit.

Both injured troopers were transported to North Oaks Medical Center by Acadian Ambulance. One Trooper has been treated and released with minor injuries. The second Trooper remains in critical condition at this time.

After the tires were disabled, the suspect vehicle crashed on Wardline Road at its intersection with Crapanzano Road. The vehicle occupants fled the scene in an unknown direction. An investigation into the identity of the suspects is ongoing.

Anyone having any information about the identity and whereabouts of the suspects is encouraged to contact the Hammond Police Department at (985) 277-5702.