Michael Vavasseur, a 34-year-old man who escaped custody earlier this week in Louisiana, was shot dead by police on Saturday following a high-speed car chase and exchange of gunfire, authorities confirmed.
The incident unfolded across multiple jurisdictions and ended in Lafayette Parish, where officers from several agencies confronted Vavasseur after he allegedly fired at law enforcement while attempting to flee.
Vavasseur had escaped from a transport vehicle in Opelousas earlier this week, which led to the start of a manhunt.
He was identified as a participant in a court-approved treatment programme before his escape and had been transported from a behavioural health facility back to jail when he fled custody on April 15.
A police K-9 was also injured in the exchange and is reported to be in stable condition after receiving veterinary care.
