Louisiana cop dies one day after being shot by motorist during traffic stop

The suspect is charged with attempted first-degree murder of a police officer

A Louisiana state trooper has died one day after taking two gunshots to the head from a motorist on Sunday.

During a Sunday night press conference, police officials said Kevin Daigle, 54, shot State Trooper Steven Vincent, 43, during a traffic stop. Daigle is now charged with attempted first-degree murder of an officer of the law. State Trooper Vincent passed away at a local hospital on Monday morning after suffering “significant neurological” damage.

KPLC-TV reported that the suspect has a lengthy criminal history in Jeff Davis Parish, including arson, conspiracy to commit arson, theft, battery, drugs and DWI. He was also charged with battery of a police officer in 2003, as well as burglary and domestic abuse. In total, Daigle has been booked in the county jail more than 12 times.

Louisiana Governor Bobby Jindal expressed his condolences with the 13-year veteran on Sunday night.

According to reports, Daigle was approached by the officer as his car was stalled in a ditch. When Mr Vincent attempted to convince the man to exit his vehicle he was then shot twice in the head. The suspected shooter paced outside his car, and several motorists rushed to the officer’s aid, and subdued the shooter.

“They stopped to help my trooper and I will never forget that,” Colonel Michael Edmonson told reporters. “I was pretty proud of them.”

On Monday morning, Colonel Edmonson released the following statement on the Louisiana State Police Facebook page.

“I am very saddened to report that Senior Trooper Steven Vincent has passed away this morning from the gunshot wounds he suffered yesterday in conjunction with a traffic investigation. As an organization, we are heartbroken over this senseless and tragic death. Our thoughts and prayers are with his surviving wife Katherine and his son Ethan as well as his entire extended family. ( Brothers, Tpr. Terrell Vincent and Chief Keith Vincent) Steven was proud to serve as a Louisiana State Trooper and we were proud to count him among our ranks. This loss exacts an enormous emotional toll on the State Police family, but we will do what is necessary and proper to honor Steven and support those who knew and loved him. He will be missed but never forgotten. Prayers.”