UPDATE: State Police Requested to Investigate Officer Involved Shooting in West Feliciana Parish

REGION 1 NEWS RELEASE
May 1, 2024

St. Francisville – Louisiana State Police investigators continue the investigation into an officer-involved shooting that occurred earlier today in West Feliciana Parish. The incident claimed the life of a Catahoula Correctional Center inmate, 46-year-old Raymond Huddleston of Baton Rouge.

The initial investigation revealed that on May 1, 2024, two Catahoula Correctional Center officers were transporting two inmates via van from the Catahoula Correctional Center to a court appearance in Baton Rouge. Shortly after 7:00 a.m., Huddleston feigned a medical emergency. The officers pulled the van to a stop in a truck stop parking lot on US Hwy 61 south of the Louisiana/Mississippi state line in order to render aid. As the officers opened the back door of the van, Huddleston (who had removed his restraints) attacked the officers. A physical altercation ensued, and he was able to disarm one of the officers. The disarmed officer was able to retrieve the firearm, and Huddleston entered the driver’s seat of the van and attempted to flee. At least one officer discharged their firearm into the van, ultimately striking Huddleston.

Despite the officers attempting to render first aid, Huddleston succumbed to injuries received at the scene. The officers were transported to a local hospital for treatment of minor injuries. The second inmate was not involved, and was uninjured. The Louisiana State Police Crime Lab assisted in processing the scene. This is an active investigation, and further information will be released when it becomes available.

Anyone with information and/or pictures and video is urged to share that information with LSP Detectives. Information can anonymously be reported through the Louisiana State Police online reporting system by visiting File a Report or calling the LSP Fusion Center Hotline at 1-800-434-8007.

Initial Release 5/1/2024:

St. Francisville – Louisiana State Police investigators have been requested by the West Feliciana Parish Sheriff’s Office to investigate a shooting incident involving Catahoula Correctional Center inmate transport officers. The incident occurred on US Hwy 61 near the Mississippi state line in West Feliciana Parish. Investigators are working diligently to process the crime scene and gather further information. Additional details will be released when available.

Contact Information:
Lt. Jared L. Sandifer
Louisiana State Police
Public Affairs Section
Office: (225) 925-6202
[email protected]