A state appeals court has upheld the conviction of an Allen Parish man who fired shots at SWAT officers responding to a domestic disturbance call.

Lance J. Edwards, was found guilty of attempted first-degree murder and domestic abuse battery, but not guilty of aggravated assault. The charges stemmed from a domestic disturbance in November 2019.

Edwards received a 30-year prison sentence without parole for attempted murder and a concurrent two-year sentence for a domestic abuse battery in the presence of a minor.

Edwards appealed the conviction, arguing insufficient evidence. The Third Circuit Court of Appeal recently reviewed the case and found no merit in the argument, upholding the conviction.

According to court documents, the  incident began when Edwards placed his two-month-old son face down on a couch, causing the child’s mother, Crystal Anderson, to express concern.

Anderson reported Edwards’ threats against her and law enforcement to the Allen Parish Sheriff’s Office, which obtained an arrest warrant. Due to potential danger, the SWAT unit was called in.

During the SWAT team’s tactical entry into the home, Edwards fired upon them. The officers returned fire, Edwards dropped this weapon and surrounded.

SWAT team members discovered several firearms and a significant amount of ammunition within the residence. Edwards has denied firing at Anderson or the officers.