State Police is investigating an officer-involved shooting that occurred Wednesday morning during an altercation between Lake Charles Police and a local man who was later hospitalized, officials said.
At 4:30 a.m., officers responded to an unresponsive driver, later identified as Richard Malone, 41, near the intersection of Common and Seventh streets. Trooper Derek Senegal with Troop D public affairs said when officers made contact with Malone, an altercation occurred, and Malone struck at least one squad car with his vehicle. An officer fired his weapon and struck Malone in the upper left arm.
Officers pursued Malone southbound on Common Street, and Malone lost control of his car and crashed near the intersection of Common and Scott streets.
Malone was taken to Lake Charles Memorial Hospital. No other injuries were reported.
State Police continues to investigate the officer-involved shooting and will release more details as they become available, Senegal said. The Calcasieu Parish Sheriff’s Office Forensic Investigative Unit is assisting with the investigation.