Kenner, Louisiana – Three police officers in Kenner were injured during a Sunday morning standoff with a man who shot them following a double shooting incident that occurred earlier that day. The suspect, identified as 31-year-old Michael Lathers, was subsequently killed in the altercation.
Authorities reported that the officers sustained injuries but are expected to recover from the ordeal. One officer was shot in the arm, another in the leg, and the third in the stomach. The incident unfolded after the police responded to a double shooting on Farm Avenue, where one victim suffered non-life-threatening injuries, while the second victim was in critical condition.
Jefferson Parish Sheriff Joseph Lopinto disclosed that negotiations with Lathers proved unsuccessful, leading to the escalation of the situation. Upon entering the suspect’s residence with a search warrant, Lathers opened fire on the officers, prompting a response from law enforcement.
Following the exchange of gunfire, Kenner police sought assistance from the Jefferson Parish Sheriff’s Office (JPSO) as the situation intensified. Lathers targeted a JPSO armored vehicle, prompting swift action from a sniper who neutralized the threat by fatally shooting the suspect.
Lathers was wanted in connection with an attempted murder and armed robbery that had occurred earlier in the week in Kenner. The incident underscores the dangers law enforcement officers face while responding to high-risk situations in the line of duty.
The swift and coordinated response by multiple law enforcement agencies highlights the importance of collaboration in ensuring the safety and security of both officers and the community at large. Investigations into the incident are ongoing as authorities work to piece together the events leading up to the confrontation. Additional details and updates are expected to be released as the situation unfolds.