Louisiana Man Dies After Being Tased During Disturbance in Moss Bluff
Calcasieu Parish, Louisiana – A Louisiana man has died after he was tased during a disturbance in Moss Bluff.
On the evening of July 18, 2023, around 9:40 p.m., deputies from the Calcasieu Parish Sheriff’s Office were contacted regarding an incident in the 200 block of Highway 171 in Moss Bluff, Louisiana. The matter involved an unidentified man, later known as David W. Hungerford, 47, from Lake Charles, Louisiana, who was reportedly shouting at someone in a parking lot. The person who reported the situation also informed deputies that the accused appeared to be stumbling around the parking area.
Shortly after, the deputies received another call from a location close to the first call about a suspect, who fit the description of Hungerford, shoplifting from a local convenience store. The deputies were in the region trying to find Hungerford when they got another call mentioning he was inside a fast food restaurant in Highway 171’s 100 block, struggling to stay upright.
Deputies spotted Hungerford in the 200 block of Sam Houston Jones Parkway barely a minute after. They reportedly tried to approach him but he managed to escape from the scene. However, he was promptly found. As deputies tried to apprehend Hungerford, he reportedly put up physical resistance and fought with them. After deputies used a Taser, Hungerford was successfully taken into custody.
Shortly after Hungerford was apprehended, he became unconscious. Recognizing the severity of the situation, the officers on site promptly initiated emergency responses. These included administering Narcan, performing CPR, and using an automated external defibrillator (AED). An off-duty EMT was also around at the time and contributed to these life-preserving efforts.
Medical personnel reached the location around 9:40 p.m., shortly after their dispatch. They transported Hungerford to a local hospital, where he was confirmed dead later.
“I always tell our deputies to treat everyone like family, although Mr. Hungerford was breaking the law, he is still someone’s family member and friend. My heart goes out to them at this time of loss. I watched body cam and in-car camera footage, and I am certain our deputies took appropriate action and did everything by the book. Detectives will complete the investigation and the findings will be turned over to the District Attorney’s Office,” stated Sheriff Tony Mancuso.
The medical examiner will establish the reason for the death.
Detective Larry Cormier from CPSO is the primary investigator handling this case.
An arrest is an indication that probable cause exists to believe the subject was involved in the offense alleged. All persons are presumed innocent until proven guilty.