Jackson Parish Sheriff's Deputy involved in fatal shooting in Winn Parish

Special to The News-Star

Louisiana State Police is investigating an deputy-involved shooting that occurred Wednesday on Louisiana 167 in Winn Parish. 

According to a State Police news release, the incident involved the Jackson Parish Sheriff’s Office and occurred on U.S. Highway 167 near Dodson. Detectives from LSP Bureau of Investigation responded to the scene, authorities said.

The preliminary investigation revealed that deputies with JPSO responded to a disturbance at the Forest Haven Nursing and Rehabilitation Center in Jonesboro. As deputies approached the facility, they observed the suspect operating a vehicle that was leaving the scene, according to the release. 

The suspect was later identified as 53-year-old Abe Banks of Jonesboro. Authorities said deputies attempted to stop Banks, but he refused to stop and a vehicle pursuit ensued. The pursuit continued south on U.S. Highway 167 into Winn Parish. During the pursuit, Banks’ vehicle had a mechanical failure and stopped in the roadway, authorities said.

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Police said that as deputies approached the vehicle, Banks did not comply with the deputies’ commands.  During the incident, shots were fired and Banks was struck.  Banks sustained severe injuries and was transported to a local hospital where he ultimately succumbed to his injuries.  No one else was injured during the incident.

The Louisiana State Police will serve as the lead investigative agency. This remains an active investigation and further information will be released when it becomes available.

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