Louisiana: State Police announce Senior Trooper Steven Vincent died from gunshot by suspected DUI driver

Memorial for Louisiana Senior Trooper Steven Vincent murdered by DUI driver Kevin Daigle

Death of Senior Trooper Steven Vincent

I am very saddened to report that Senior Trooper Steven Vincent has passed away this morning from the gunshot wounds he suffered yesterday in conjunction with a traffic investigation. As an organization, we are heartbroken over this senseless and tragic death. Our thoughts and prayers are with his surviving wife Katherine and his son Ethan as well as his entire extended family. ( Brothers, Tpr. Terrell Vincent and Chief Keith Vincent) Steven was proud to serve as a Louisiana State Trooper and we were proud to count him among our ranks. This loss exacts an enormous emotional toll on the State Police family, but we will do what is necessary and proper to honor Steven and support those who knew and loved him. He will be missed but never forgotten. Prayers.

Colonel Michael D. Edmonson

From NBC News:
Vincent was responding to a report of a suspected drunken driver outside Bell City, about 50 miles east of the Texas border, just before 3 p.m. (4 p.m. ET), Edmondson said.

In a ditch, the trooper found a pickup truck that belonged to Kevin Daigle, 54. Edmondson said that in video of the encounter, he could hear Vincent offering assistance to Daigle.

Kevin Daigle will face a charge of first-degree murder of a police officer in the shooting of a Louisiana state trooper Sunday, police say. Louisiana State Police

“Why don’t you get out?” he said Vincent asked. “I’ll help you.”

Then, Edmonson said, “I saw a shotgun blast.”

In the video, Daigle could be seen wandering in the roadway and talking to Vincent as the trooper struggled to call for help, Edmonson said. “You’re going to die soon,” he heard the man tell the trooper.

A passing driver saw Vincent lying on the ground, so he stopped and wrestled the shotgun away from Daigle, police said. With the help of a second driver, the pair used Vincent’s handcuffs to subdue Daigle, Edmonson said.

Edmonson said that Daigle was “known” to the police and that he been stopped “many times” for “numerous DWIs.”

August 23, 2015

Lake Charles Trooper Remains in Critical Condition 
Following Afternoon Shooting Incident

Bell City, LA (Aug. 23, 2015) – This evening, Louisiana State Police Superintendent Colonel Mike Edmonson joined friends, family, and fellow Troopers in support of Senior Trooper Steven J. Vincent, critically injured following a shooting incident with a suspected impaired driver. At this time, Trooper Vincent remains in critical condition with serious head trauma at Lake Charles Memorial Hospital.

Louisiana Senior Trooper Steven Vincent shot dead by suspected impaired driver Kevin Daigle

Troopers’ preliminary investigation indicated the incident took place shortly before 3:00 pm as Trooper Vincent arrived at the scene of a Dodge pickup truck in a ditch near the intersection of LA Hwy 14 and Fruge Road in Calcasieu Parish. Upon arrival, Trooper Vincent verified the truck as matching the description of a previously reported reckless vehicle and made contact with the sole occupant identified as 54 year old Kevin Daigle of Lake Charles, LA. During the course of the interaction, Daigle produced a shotgun and fired at Trooper Vincent striking him in the head. As Daigle attempted to flee the scene, several passing motorists successfully detained Daigle while others began to render aid to Trooper Vincent while calling for emergency assistance. Responding Troopers, law enforcement, and medical personnel from the area arrived at the scene shortly thereafter placing Daigle into custody and transporting Trooper Vincent via Acadian Air Med to Lake Charles Memorial Hospital.

At this time, the investigation into the incident remains ongoing with Daigle to be booked on charges of Attempted First Degree Murder of a Police Officer in addition to several other related charges.

“This afternoon, the very foundation of our department was shaken by the malicious act of an individual against a Trooper simply attempting to render assistance,” stated Colonel Edmonson. “As carriers of the LSP gold badge, Troopers bravely embark each day across the state to serve and protect the citizens of Louisiana while fully realizing the inherent dangers of our solemn vow to public safety. Trooper Vincent remains in a fight for his life this evening and we must remember his unwavering service and spirit as we continue to pray for his recovery.”

Senior Trooper Vincent has served the Lake Charles community in Troop D since December of 2003 and remains under the close watch of physicians this evening while surrounded by family.

Further information on the investigation and condition of Trooper Vincent will be forthcoming.