Man dies after being stunned
Police: Suspect shocked after escaping from Baldwin authorities
State Police are investigating the Friday morning death of a 33-year-old Baldwin man who was shot with a stun gun by a Baldwin police officer after he escaped from the Police Department there.
State Police spokesman Trooper Stephen Hammons said the man’s identity is being withheld pending notification of his next of kin.
Baldwin Police Chief Gerald Minor requested State Police investigate the man’s death shortly before 10 a.m. Friday, Hammons said.
The incident began sometime after midnight after the man was taken into custody at Baldwin Police Department headquarters on outstanding warrants, Hammons said.
He directed questions about the nature of those warrants to the Police Department.
Minor was unavailable for comment Friday.
While being held at the Police Department, the man escaped and was shot by a Baldwin police officer before being captured, Hammons said.
Baldwin police officers use a Taser stun gun, which is widely used by law enforcement authorities, and fires prongs that deliver an electrical charge, immobilizing a person.
Officers called Acadian Ambulance after they realized the man needed medical attention, Hammons said.
The man was initially taken to Franklin Foundation Hospital before being transferred to Lafayette General Medical Center, where he was later pronounced dead, Hammons said.
Investigators are waiting on the St. Mary Parish Coroner’s Office to determine the cause of death, Hammons said.
Hammons said he expected to release additional details about the investigation Monday.