A shooting incident occurred in Vinton, Louisiana on August 26, 2023, involving multiple law enforcement agencies. The Louisiana State Police Force Investigation Unit is currently conducting an active and ongoing investigation. They have created a Critical Incident Briefing Video (CIBV) that includes footage from body-worn cameras and dashboard cameras. The video only presents factual information, and certain parts have been edited to respect the privacy of those involved, as well as to protect witnesses and victims. Viewer discretion is advised for children and sensitive viewers.
Follow this link to view the video. (Due to the content of the video, YouTube login is required to verify age.)
According to Louisiana State Police, the preliminary investigation conducted on August 30, 2023, revealed that on August 26, 2023, around 11:15 p.m., a deputy from the Cameron Parish Sheriff’s Office attempted to conduct a traffic stop near Hackberry, Louisiana, on a 2007 Lexus ES 350 sedan for an equipment violation on LA Hwy 27.
During this encounter, the individual named Spencer J. Wilson, a 34-year-old from Jacksonville, Texas, escalated the situation by driving away from the traffic stop and shooting at the deputy.
A chase occurred heading north on LA 27 and through various streets in the Carlyss, Louisiana and Sulphur, Louisiana areas with the help of other law enforcement agencies. As Wilson reached the Gum Island Road and LA 108 intersection, he was unable to navigate a small left curve, went off the road, and hit a ditch. The Lexus then went through the ditch, crossed LA 108, and collided with another ditch on the south side of the road.
Wilson got out of the car and kept shooting at the officers who had come to respond. About five law enforcement officers shot back at Wilson as he moved away towards a grass field and kept shooting with a fully automatic rifle.
They eventually found Wilson with a gunshot wound to the head, which was self-inflicted.
The Calcasieu Parish Coroner’s Office pronounced him dead at the location.
Later on, authorities found a woman who had been traveling in the Lexus near the location of the accident. They spoke to her and she was then released.
A member of the Sulphur Police Department was shot in the head but the injury was not life-threatening. The officer received medical attention and was discharged.
No other law enforcement officers were harmed during the event.
The investigation is being led by the Louisiana State Police Force Investigation Unit, working in cooperation with the LSP Criminal Investigative Division and LSP Crime Lab.