Published: 04-19-2026 | Category: Troop I
UPDATE: Lafayette Parish- Detectives with the Louisiana State Police Bureau of Investigations continue to investigate a multi-agency police-involved shooting that occurred on April 18, 2026, in Lafayette Parish. This incident involved police from the Scott Police Department (SPD), Lafayette Parish Sheriff’s Office (LPSO), and Carencro Police Department (CPD) and resulted in the death of 34-year-old Michael Vavasseur of Duson.
The preliminary investigation revealed that the Scott PD attempted to initiate a traffic stop on a 2014 Nissan Altima, driven by Vavasseur, who escaped from police custody in Opelousas on April 15, 2026. Vavasseur failed to comply, and a pursuit ensued. The pursuit traveled through Lafayette Parish and into Carencro, where LPSO Deputies and Carencro PD Officers assisted.
During the pursuit, Vavasseur stopped at a residence on Tee Ma Road in Carencro, where a passenger exited the vehicle and was taken into custody by law enforcement. Vavasseur then fled the location, nearly striking a Carencro Police Officer. In response, the officer discharged their firearm, striking the Nissan, but Vavasseur continued to flee.
The pursuit ended when Vavasseur’s vehicle collided with a law enforcement vehicle on North Wilderness Trail in Carencro, disabling the Nissan. Vavasseur exited the vehicle armed with a firearm and fled on foot. While fleeing, he stopped and fired at law enforcement. Law enforcement returned fire, striking Vavasseur, who was pronounced dead at the scene.
During the incident, a Lafayette Parish Sheriff’s Office K-9 was shot, was treated by a veterinarian, and is currently in stable condition. No other law enforcement personnel were injured. Vavasseur’s passenger was also uninjured during the incident.
The investigation remains active and ongoing. No additional information is available at this time.
Original Release: April 18, 2026
Lafayette - On April 18, 2026, shortly after 11:00 a.m., detectives with the Louisiana State Police Bureau of Investigations were requested to investigate a multi-agency police-involved shooting that occurred in the Lafayette area. Investigators are working to process the scene(s) and gather further information.
Initial reports indicate that at least one subject was shot. Information regarding the extent of their injuries will be released when it becomes available. This remains an active investigation, and additional information will be released as it becomes available.
Anyone with information and/or pictures and video is urged to share that information with LSP Detectives. You may anonymously report information through the Louisiana State Police online reporting system by visiting lsp.org and clicking on Report Suspicious or Criminal Activity, or by calling the LSP Fusion Center Hotline at 1-800-434-8007.
Contact Information:
Trooper Monique Lavergne
Louisiana State Police
Public Affairs Section – Troop I
Office: 337-262-5880