Louisiana State Trooper Involved in Fatal Shooting After High-Speed Chase With Vehicle Containing an Estimated $2.5 Million in Drugs

Baton Rouge, Louisiana – A Louisiana State Trooper shot and killed a man after a high-speed chase and hit-and-run accidents in Baton Rouge, with an estimated $2.5 million of suspected cocaine found in the man's vehicle.

On December 9, 2022, Louisiana State Police stated that on December 8, Detectives from the LSP Force Investigation Unit (FIU) were dispatched to investigate a shooting involving a uniform patrol Trooper. Within the city borders of Baton Rouge, Louisiana, the incident occurred on eastbound Interstate 10 at the Washington St. exit.

Preliminary evidence revealed that at approximately 10:02 p.m. on December 8, 2022, a Trooper stopped a Chevrolet Suburban for a traffic violation on westbound Interstate 10 west of LA 415 in West Baton Rouge Parish. The automobile was driven by Texas resident Jose Reza-Navarro, 52, of Spring. Reza-Navarro ran eastbound on Interstate 10 during the traffic stop, resulting in a high-speed vehicle pursuit. As he continued to flee from troopers, Reza-Navarro caused additional hit-and-run accidents throughout the pursuit. Due to the increased risk to the public and the offender's excessive speed, troopers discontinued the pursuit.

Shortly after halting the pursuit, troopers spotted Reza-Navarro's disabled vehicle on eastbound Interstate 10 near Interstate 110, where it had collided with another vehicle. Reza-Navarro was witnessed fleeing the scene. A Trooper fired his weapon shortly after making contact with Reza-Navarro for circumstances that are currently under investigation. Reza-Navarro succumbed to his injuries at the scene despite contacting EMTs and aid rendered.

Technicians from the Louisiana State Police Crime Lab processed the incident scene. While analyzing the crime scene, a search warrant for Reza-Navarro's vehicle was obtained and executed. Subsequently, officers reportedly discovered around 83 kilograms of suspected cocaine concealed in luggage in the truck [waiting for scientific investigation]. The street value of the seized narcotics is estimated to be $2.5 million.

LSP indicated that the Trooper involved in the use of fatal force will be placed on administrative leave in accordance with Louisiana State Police protocol. The investigation is ongoing, and additional material will be shared at the proper time in collaboration with the East Baton Rouge Parish District Attorney's Office.