A 34-year-old Texas man who led multiple law enforcement agencies on a pursuit on La. 27 last Saturday died of a self-inflicted gunshot wound to the head.

Louisiana State Police Trooper Derek Senegal said a deputy with the Cameron Parish Sheriff’s Office initiated a traffic stop on a 2007 Lexus ES 350 sedan at about 11:15 p.m. Aug. 26 for an equipment violation on La. 27 near Hackberry.

“During the course of the encounter, the driver drove away from the traffic stop and began firing a weapon at the deputy. The subject was later identified as 34-year-old Spencer J. Wilson of Jacksonville, Texas,” Sengal said. 

A pursuit ensued northbound on La. 27 and on several streets through the Carlyss and Sulphur areas while other law enforcement agencies assisted. As Wilson approached the intersection of Gum Island Road and La. 108, he failed to negotiate a slight left-hand curve, traveled off the roadway, and struck a ditch.

The Lexus traveled through the ditch, crossed over La. 108, and crashed into a second ditch south of the roadway, Senegal said.

Wilson exited the vehicle and continued firing upon responding officers.

“At least five law enforcement officers returned fire as Wilson moved to a nearby open grass field and continued to fire a fully automatic rifle at law enforcement officers,” Senegal said.

Wilson was later located with a self-inflicted gunshot wound to the head. He was pronounced dead at the scene by the Calcasieu Parish Coroner’s Office.

A female passenger in the Lexus was later located near the crash scene. She was interviewed and released.

One officer from the Sulphur Police Department sustained a non-life-threatening gunshot wound to the head. The officer was treated and released. No other law enforcement officers were injured during the incident.

The Louisiana State Police Force Investigation Unit is leading the investigation.

This is an active investigation and further information will be released when it becomes available.