Lake Charles, LA – (LSP) — Senior Trooper Steven Vincent, the 44 year old Lake Charles area trooper who was shot yesterday during the course of a traffic encounter, died just after 8:00 this morning, according to Superintendent of State Police, Colonel Mike Edmonson. Vincent was surrounded by family and friends when he died. Vincent becomes the first trooper killed in a hostile encounter since the murder of Trooper Donald Cleveland near Lafayette in 1977.
Troopers’ preliminary investigation indicated 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.
“We knew last night that Trooper Vincent’s condition was grave, and despite valiant efforts by medical staff at Lake Charles Memorial Hospital and prayers from throughout the country, Vincent lost his battle this morning,” Edmonson said.
Trooper Vincent is survived by his wife, Katherine, 9 year old son, Ethan, his brothers, Louisiana State Police Trooper Terrell Vincent and Town of Iowa Police Chief Keith Vincent, as well as a large extended family.
Vincent had a lifelong dream of becoming a state trooper and after spending nearly 10 years with the Lake Charles Police Department he joined the state police in 2003.
His career was distinguished and his service had repeatedly been recognized. During his 12 years of service he received thirteen awards and commendations including the department’s Professional Excellence and Meritorious Service Awards as well as numerous Unit Citations for his dedicated and selfless duty throughout the state.
He had also served in the United States Army during Operation Desert Shield and Operation Desert Storm.
“Trooper Vincent epitomizes all that is great about our organization. He didn’t just believe in our core values, he lived them. The citizens of this state were well served by Vincent, and I know they join us in our collective grief,” Edmonson said.
In an earlier message announcing Vincent’s passing, Edmonson told members of the department, “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. 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.”
Arrangements are incomplete at this time, but Vincent will be afforded full honors associated with a line of duty death.
The suspected shooter in Trooper Vincent’s death will be rebooked on charges of First Degree Murder of a Police Officer in addition to several related charges as the investigation continues. He remains at the Calcasieu Parish Jail at this time.
For information on providing assistance to the Vincent family during this tragic time, please visit www.latroopers.org and direct donations to the Louisiana Troopers Charities.
