In Louisiana, a 31-year-old suspect named Matthew Lathers, wanted in connection with two
shootings, died in a standoff that injured three police officers and two civilians. Kenner
police Captain Michael Cunningham revealed during a press conference that Lathers faced
charges including attempted murder and armed robbery stemming from an incident in
Kenner on April 23.

The standoff unfolded in Kenner, situated approximately 15 miles west of New Orleans.
Cunningham stated that Lathers was fatally shot by a sniper after allegedly injuring two
innocent bystanders and exchanging gunfire with officers.

The chain of events commenced when officers responded to a residence where Lathers’
relatives lived, following reports that two individuals in a parked vehicle had been shot by
someone inside the house. Investigators speculate that Lathers may have mistaken the
civilians in the vehicle for law enforcement before shooting at them.

Jefferson Parish Sheriff Joseph Lopinto suggested that Lathers fired upon the individuals in
the vehicle believing them to be police officers. Upon the SWAT team’s arrival to execute a
search warrant, three officers sustained gunshot wounds, prompting the department to request
assistance from the sheriff’s office.

Despite repeated attempts at negotiation, no dialogue was established, according to Lopinto.
The confrontation escalated until Lathers positioned himself in a manner that led law
enforcement to open fire. One officer managed to return fire, resulting in Lathers’ death.

Source –
https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/nation/2024/04/29/police-officers-shot-standoff-kenne
r-louisiana-suspect-killed/73496632007/