State Police are investigating a fatal officer-involved shooting in Lake Charles.
Lake Charles Police responded shortly after 9:45 p.m. Monday to a report of an individual with a handgun on Mill Street. Officers learned the subject, later identified as 22-year-old Christopher Thomas of Lake Charles, fired several shots towards a residence and then fled on foot.
Later that night, police say Thomas returned to the same residence and fired multiple shots, striking one of the occupants in the foot.
Officers located Thomas at another residence on Cline Street in Lake Charles shortly after 3 a.m. Tuesday morning. Police gave verbal commands for Thomas to surrender; they say Thomas fired multiple shots at LCPD officers from inside the building.
During negotiations, police say Thomas exited the residence through the front door armed with a handgun and wearing body armor. Officers attempted to negotiate face-to-face with him, but he went back into the home. Thomas then fired at officers while standing in the front doorway, according to State Police.
LCPD officers discharged their duty weapons striking Thomas. He was transported to a local hospital where he was pronounced dead. No one else was injured.
Louisiana State Police is the lead investigating agency for the officer-involved shooting. The Calcasieu Parish Sheriff's Office Forensic Investigative Unit responded to the scene and is assisting with the investigation.
The investigation is ongoing and further information will be released when it becomes available, troopers say.
