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Louisiana Man Shot by Police After Driving into a Home and Discharged a Flare Gun Toward Officers

Published December 23, 2021

Louisiana State Police were asked to investigate an officer-involved shooting after a man was shot and killed by police after he drove his truck into a home, attempted to set it on fire, and fired a flare gun at officers.

The Pointe Coupee Parish Sheriff’s Office asked the Louisiana State Police Bureau of Investigations to look into a deadly officer-involved shooting involving one of their deputies and a Livonia Police Department officer on December 22, 2021.

A Pointe Coupee Parish Sheriff’s Deputy and a Livonia Police Department Officer responded to a disturbance reported on Cleveland Road in the Town of Fordoche shortly before 6:00 p.m. on December 22, 2021, according to the preliminary investigation. Residents in the area had contacted 911 to report that a suspect, later identified as 48-year-old Jessie Lee Gaither IV of Opelousas, had driven his truck through the front of a house, causing significant damage. Gaither then left the truck, one hand holding a knife and the other a gun.

Gaither walked up the street after attempting to light the house on fire. The subject’s actions were reported by neighbors, and he was armed with a gun. Gaither was approached by officers as they arrived on location. He brandished a knife as authorities made contact. Gaither refused to stop approaching officers despite officers’ repeated verbal commands. An officer attempted to subdue Gaither with the use of a Taser, but the attempt failed. Gaither then displayed what appeared to be a handgun, which was later determined to be a flare gun, and fired it at the officers. An officer then fired his service weapon striking Gaither.

Gaither died as a result of his injuries, and the Pointe Coupee Parish Coroner’s Office ruled him dead at the scene.

No officers were injured during this incident. The Louisiana State Police Crime Lab will process the scene for all evidence.