Jeanerette, LA — A tragic incident unfolded Thursday afternoon as a Lafayette police officer was killed and three others were wounded in a shooting incident in Jeanerette, Louisiana. The violence erupted during a SWAT operation that reportedly began with a response to a warrant served by the Jeanerette City Marshal’s Office.
Authorities reported that the suspect, identified as Nyjal Hurst, fired multiple shots at the officers, leading to injuries and the tragic fatality. State Police were alerted to the situation on Hubertville Road near Martin Luther King Drive shortly after 4:30 p.m.
The Lafayette Police Department confirmed that the deceased officer was a member of their SWAT team, which had been called into action following the initial engagement by local marshals. The identity of the slain officer has not been released pending notification of next of kin.
In the chaos, two officers sustained gunshot wounds, while two others were hit by bullet fragments. All injured officers were promptly transported to a local hospital, where three of them are reported to be in good condition with injuries that are not life-threatening.
Louisiana State Police, along with multiple other law enforcement agencies, are currently on scene. The state police’s crime lab has also been called in to process the area, a key step in gathering evidence and piecing together the sequence of events that led to the shootout.
Officials have confirmed that Nyjal Hurst is in custody and an investigation is ongoing. Trooper Peggy Bourque emphasized the continued efforts to understand the full scope of the incident, stating, “We can confirm we have a suspect in custody.”
The shooting has drawn widespread response across the broader law enforcement community. Lafayette Mayor-President Monique Boulet expressed her condolences and support in a statement Thursday evening, highlighting the dedication of law enforcement officers.
“I want to express my deep gratitude for each and every one of our officers at the Lafayette Police Department,” Boulet said. “Their daily sacrifice and commitment to our community is powerful, selfless, and a big part of what makes us a great community. They are all hurting this evening, and I want them to know the city of Lafayette stands with them in grief and sorrow.”
Meanwhile, the community and police forced across Acadiana are coming together during this period of mourning. Further updates on the ongoing investigation and the conditions of the hospitalized officers are expected as more information becomes available.
As the investigation continues, authorities urge anyone with additional information, photographs, or video relating to the incident to come forward. Information can be shared anonymously through the Louisiana State Police online system, and tips can also be reported directly by phone.