State Police Detectives Continue Investigation of Lake Charles Police Department Officer-Involved Shooting

Louisiana State Police Detectives continue the investigation into the officer-involved shooting that occurred near the intersection of 12th Street and 7th Avenue in Lake Charles on July 3, 2025. The deceased subject was identified as 23-year-old Diamonte Lafanette of Lake Charles.

The preliminary investigation revealed that officers with the Lake Charles Police Department received information that a male subject (later identified as Lafanette) was pointing a firearm at passing motorists. When officers began arriving in the area, they encountered Lafanette brandishing a firearm. An initial exchange of gunfire occurred between Lafanette and the officers, after which Lafanette fled on foot.

Officers then began setting up a perimeter in the area. Lafanette emerged from behind a residence and opened fire on the officers, prompting a second exchange of gunfire. During this encounter, Lafanette was struck. He was transported to a local hospital, where he later died from his injuries. Detectives located a handgun near Lafanette that had previously been reported stolen. This investigation remains active and ongoing.

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 calling the LSP Fusion Center Hotline at 1-800-434-8007.

TROOP D ORIGINAL RELEASE
July 3, 2025

Louisiana State Police Detectives Investigating
Lake Charles Police Department Officer-Involved Shooting

Lake Charles – On July 3, 2025, shortly after 08:00 a.m., detectives with the Louisiana State Police Criminal Investigations Division were requested by the Lake Charles Police Department to investigate an officer-involved shooting that occurred near the intersection of 12th Street and 7th Avenue in Lake Charles. Investigators are working to process the scene and gather further information.

One subject was shot and transported to an area hospital, where he was pronounced deceased. No officers were harmed during the shooting. This is an active investigation; further information will be released when it becomes available.

Contact Information:
TFC Matt Gaspard
Louisiana State Police
Public Affairs Section – Troop D
Office: (337) 491-2513
[email protected]