Two Troopers Injured During Vehicle Pursuit

At approximately 2:15 am today (May 20, 2020), Troopers from Louisiana State Police Troop L were

dispatched to assist the Hammond Police Department with a vehicle pursuit that started within the city limits of Hammond. During the course of the pursuit, one Trooper (identified as George Baker) sustained severe injuries and another Trooper sustained minor injuries.

Hammond Police had initiated a traffic stop in the 2700 block of West Thomas Street but the vehicle took off at a high rate of speed. The officer observed the occupants throwing things out the vehicle on both sides, indicating at least two occupants. Multiple HPD officers joined the initial officer in the pursuit. As the pursuit moved outside city limits, additional agencies joined the effort. As the pursuit continued on Wardline Road west of Interstate 55, Troopers deployed a tire deflation device to disable the suspect vehicle near the intersection with Kate Street.

After successfully disabling the suspect vehicle’s tires, Troopers were retrieving the device from the roadway when they were struck by a Hammond Police unit involved in the pursuit. Both injured Troopers were transported to North Oaks Medical Center by Acadian Ambulance. One Trooper has been treated and released with minor injuries. The second Trooper remains in critical condition at this time.

After the tires were disabled, the suspect vehicle crashed on Wardline Road at its intersection with Crapanzano Road. The vehicle occupants fled the scene in an unknown direction. An investigation into the identity of the suspects is ongoing.

Anyone with information on this incident is asked to contact Detective Chase Zaffuto, with the Hammond Police Department’s Criminal Investigation Division, at 985-277-5740, by the Hammond Police Department’s Facebook Page, by email at Zaffuto_CB@hammond.org or by contacting Crime Stoppers of Tangipahoa’s anonymous tip line at 1-800-554-5245. Be part of the solution and you may be eligible for a cash reward.