Lake Charles, Louisiana — A 55-year-old Lake Charles man is facing multiple felony charges after police say he opened fire on four Lake Charles Police Department officers, then engaged in an hours-long standoff with law enforcement while his elderly mother was inside the home.
The incident happened Sunday, Feb. 8, 2026, around 6:39 p.m. in the 1800 block of North Tallowood, according to the Lake Charles Police Department (LCPD).
Officers were initially dispatched to the neighborhood for a weapons complaint after a caller reported someone discharging a firearm outside. When officers arrived on scene, they saw a man — later identified as Lance Lane Chiasson, 55 — exit his residence armed with a weapon, police said.
According to LCPD, Chiasson then began firing at four Lake Charles police officers. The officers took cover while, investigators say, Chiasson went back into his residence and continued shooting in the direction of officers from inside the home.
Police reported that no officers or civilians were injured during the gunfire. However, vehicles parked across the street from Chiasson’s home were struck, leading to property damage in the neighborhood.
As the situation unfolded, officers learned that Chiasson’s elderly mother was still inside the residence with him. That raised immediate concern for her safety and prompted police to treat the scene as a potential hostage situation.
The Lake Charles Police Department SWAT team and department hostage negotiators were called to the scene to manage what had become a critical incident. SWAT (Special Weapons and Tactics) teams are specialized units trained to handle high-risk situations, including armed standoffs and potential hostage events, while hostage negotiators focus on communication to defuse tensions and protect lives.
Police say negotiators spoke with Chiasson for several hours in an effort to end the standoff peacefully. After this extended period of negotiations, the LCPD SWAT team was able to safely take Chiasson into custody without further incident. Authorities did not report any injuries during the arrest.
Chiasson has been charged with:
- Four counts of attempted first-degree murder
- Aggravated criminal damage to property
- Illegal use of dangerous instrumentalities
Judge Fazzio set Chiasson’s total bond at $550,000, according to police. A mug shot of Lance Lane Chiasson was provided by the Lake Charles Police Department in connection with the case.
The investigation into the incident is ongoing. Detectives are working to document the scene, including the damaged vehicles, and to gather statements and other evidence related to the reported gunfire and standoff.
Anyone with information about this offense is asked to contact the Lake Charles Police Department at 337-491-1311 or leave an anonymous tip through the Lake Charles Police Department app.
All persons are innocent until proven guilty.