A Catahoula Correctional Center Inmate was fatally shot yesterday after faking an illness during transport and attacking correctional center officers. Lt. Jared Sandifer with the Louisiana State Police said it happened just outside of St. Francisville Wednesday morning.
“What looks like trying to do the right thing, those officers stopped the vehicle, pulled over, and went to render aid, and when they did, they were basically attacked by that inmate. Unfortunately, those officers did have to use deadly force in this situation,” said Sandifer.
The inmate has been identified as 46-year-old Raymond Huddleston of Baton Rouge. He was being transported to a court hearing.
Sandifer said Huddleston was able to disarm one of the correctional officers, and that officer was able to retrieve the firearm. He said Huddleston also tried to drive off in the van.
“It appears he was able to get into the driver’s seat of that vehicle and attempt to get away. And that that point, that’s when the shots were fired towards him,” said Sandifer.
Despite officers rendering aid after Huddleston was shot, he died from his injuries. Sandifer said state police are investigating and it appears before Huddleston faked a seizure, he was able to remove his restraints.
“It seems that he was able to get out of his restraints or release some of his restraints. I don’t have all the details on that. But it does appear, he basically charged out of the van when those officers opened the door to that van. he charged towards them and became physically combative,” said Sandifer.
The officers were treated and released for minor injuries. A second inmate who was in the van was not involved and uninjured.
This is an active investigation.
