UPDATE: Louisiana State Police Continue Investigation of Trooper-Involved Shooting in Lafourche Parish; Suspects Identified

UPDATE – Detectives with the Louisiana State Police Force Investigation Unit (FIU) continue to investigate the Trooper-involved shooting that occurred on September 8, 2025. As part of the ongoing investigation, detectives have arrested 46-year-old Jonah Parfait of Houma.

The preliminary investigation revealed that Parfait was driving a 2023 Ford F-150 Raptor on Bull Run Road in Terrebonne Parish when Troopers attempted to conduct a traffic stop on the vehicle. Parfait and his passenger, 31-year-old Darien Riffe of Houma, were the subjects of an ongoing illegal narcotics investigation. Parfait briefly stopped, but accelerated away leading to a pursuit that traveled through portions of Terrebonne and Lafourche Parishes. Parfait eventually entered Lake Long Drive in Lafourche Parish before reaching the end of the roadway.

At this point, Riffe exited the vehicle, attempted to flee on foot, and produced a firearm which resulted in a Trooper discharging his service weapon. Riffe was struck and despite life saving measures, was pronounced deceased on the scene.

At the same time, Parfait continued to flee from Troopers in the Ford through Lafourche Parish where it eventually entered Louisiana Highway 1. As he neared Lefort Bypass Road, the Ford became disabled after striking another vehicle. Parfait continued his attempt to evade capture by entering Bayou Lafourche, but was soon apprehended with assistance from the Lafourche Parish Sheriff’s Office K-9 division.

The innocent driver of the vehicle struck by Parfait sustained minor injuries and was transported to a nearby hospital. Parfait sustained non-life threatening injuries during his collision and apprehension. After receiving medical clearance, he was booked into the Terrebonne Criminal Justice Complex on an arrest warrant for the following charges:

• LA RS 14:108.1C – Aggravated Flight from an Officer (Felony)
• LA RS 14:99 – Reckless Operation of a Vehicle
• LA RS 14:108 – Resisting an Officer

This investigation remains ongoing, further information will be provided when available, and additional charges may be forthcoming. Additionally, Louisiana State Police personnel have begun working on a Critical Incident Briefing Video, which will be released at a later date regarding this incident.

REGION 2 RELEASE UPDATE
September 8, 2025

UPDATE – As the investigation progresses, initial information reveals that Troopers were attempting to stop the vehicle as part of an ongoing narcotics investigation. Preliminary evidence obtained by the Force Investigation Unit (FIU) has revealed that the passenger exited the vehicle armed with a firearm.

The driver of the vehicle was transported from the crash scene to a local hospital for treatment of minor injuries. Once released, he will be booked into the Lafourche Parish Correctional Center for various charges related to this incident. The Louisiana State Police Crime Lab is assisting with this active and ongoing investigation. Additional information will be provided as it becomes available.

REGION 2 ORIGINAL RELEASE
September 8, 2025

Louisiana State Police Investigating Trooper-Involved Shooting in Lafourche Parish
Houma – On September 8, 2025, shortly before 4:00 pm, Detectives assigned to the Louisiana State Police Force Investigation Unit and Bureau of Investigations were called to investigate a shooting incident involving a Trooper in Lafourche Parish.

Preliminary information indicates that a Trooper attempted to initiate a traffic stop. The driver failed to comply, and a vehicle pursuit ensued. The suspect vehicle turned onto Lake Long Drive in Houma and came to a stop at a dead end. A passenger exited the vehicle, and a Trooper discharged his service weapon. That subject was shot and was pronounced deceased on scene.

The driver of the vehicle then fled, reinitiating the pursuit. The pursuit ultimately ended in a crash on Louisiana Highway 1 near Lefort Bypass Road, and the driver was eventually taken into custody.

Louisiana State Police is the lead investigative agency, with FIU personnel processing the scene. This investigation remains active and ongoing. Additional information will be provided 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:
TPR Henry Perez
Louisiana State Police
Public Affairs Section – Troop C
[email protected]