Crime
Video shows moments Jefferson Parish deputies shoot woman during standoff in Marrero
MARRERO, La. — A 62-year-old woman from Lafitte was shot multiple times by Jefferson Parish Sheriff’s Office (JPSO) deputies Wednesday afternoon during a confrontation in Marrero, according to authorities.
The incident occurred around 2:30 p.m. in the 7300 block of the Westbank Expressway, after deputies responded to a report of a suspicious vehicle.
The truck driven by the woman had been flagged, prompting law enforcement to approach the scene around 2:15 p.m.
According to JPSO, deputies attempted to speak with the woman and instructed her to exit the vehicle.
A bystander video obtained by local media captures the moments leading up to the shooting. In the footage, the woman is seen inside the truck, appearing to point a firearm at deputies.
She then steps out of the vehicle with her hands raised, but as she walks toward the back of the truck, she allegedly raises the weapon again, prompting deputies to open fire.
The video, which is paused before showing the actual shooting due to its graphic nature, depicts deputies quickly surrounding the woman after she is shot.
JPSO confirmed that two deputies discharged their firearms, striking the woman multiple times.
She was transported to a nearby hospital for emergency treatment. Her current condition has not been publicly disclosed.
Authorities state that once she is medically cleared, the woman will face charges of aggravated assault on a peace officer.
The incident was also recorded on deputy body-worn cameras and surveillance footage from a nearby business.
The Jefferson Parish Sheriff’s Office is continuing its investigation. Anyone who witnessed the incident or possesses additional video footage is urged to contact JPSO at 504-364-5300.
Crime
Walls Police Officer Da’Quarius Burton Injured in Deadly Mississippi Crash, Mother Confirms He Is Alive and Safe
DESOTO COUNTY, Mississippi — Walls Police Officer Da’Quarius Burton was injured in a deadly two-vehicle collision on U.S. Highway 61 in DeSoto County, Mississippi, but his mother has confirmed that he is alive, safe and recovering following the crash.
Burton, 27, of Memphis, Tennessee, was driving a Dodge Durango involved in the collision shortly after 8 p.m. Wednesday at the intersection of U.S. Highway 61 and Church Road in Walls.
The crash claimed the lives of three people traveling in a Honda Accord. The incident also left another passenger injured and involved employees of the DeSoto County Sheriff’s Office Juvenile Detention Center.
Following the crash, misinformation circulated online suggesting that Burton had died and that he was a juvenile detention officer.
His mother, Tee Burton, publicly addressed the reports, firmly correcting the information and asking people to stop sharing unverified claims.
She confirmed that her son is alive, safe and okay. She also emphasized that he is not a juvenile detention officer.
In her statement, she expressed disappointment over reports falsely identifying her son as one of the people who died in the collision.
She also acknowledged the families who lost loved ones and urged the public to show compassion toward everyone affected by the tragedy.
Her statement included the following message:
“My son is alive!!! He is safe, and he is okay!!!”
She further asked people to verify information before publishing or reposting details that could cause unnecessary emotional distress to families.
According to the Mississippi Highway Patrol, a northbound Dodge Durango traveling on U.S. Highway 61 collided with a westbound Honda Accord traveling on Church Road.
Three occupants of the Honda were pronounced dead at the scene.
Authorities identified the victims as:
- Latasha N. Dodson, 37, of Horn Lake, Mississippi, the Honda driver.
- Eddie L. Dodson Jr., 41, of Byhalia, Mississippi.
- Tamenshia R. Ford, 32, of Horn Lake, Mississippi.
Burton and another passenger in the Honda survived the collision but sustained injuries and were transported to a local hospital. Their specific medical conditions have not been publicly detailed in the information provided.
The DeSoto County Sheriff’s Office confirmed that two people involved in the crash were employees of its Juvenile Detention Center.
One of those employees was Tamenshia R. Ford, who died in the collision. The second employee was seriously injured.
Sheriff Thomas E. Tuggle II expressed condolences following the death of the employee, describing the person as a respected and beloved member of the department.
“Our fallen officer was a respected and beloved member of our team,” Tuggle said.
The sheriff’s office also recognized the employee’s dedication, compassion and commitment to working with young people entrusted to the facility’s care.
State officials confirmed that the Dodge Durango involved in the collision belonged to the Walls Police Department.
The city’s mayor and police chief also confirmed that a Walls police officer was involved in the crash. Burton’s mother has since clarified that her son is the officer and that he survived.
An SUV displaying Walls Police Department identification was seen being towed from the crash scene Wednesday night.
The Mississippi Highway Patrol is leading the investigation into the fatal collision.
Investigators are working to determine the circumstances surrounding the crash. Authorities have not released additional details about what led to the vehicles colliding.
The crash resulted in three deaths and left multiple people injured. Burton’s family has asked the public to respect the victims and their loved ones while avoiding the spread of false information.
The investigation remains ongoing.