A bullet proof vest may have saved the life of a Houma Police officer early this morning. The Houma Police Department says Officer Kelly Champagne was shot twice by a suspect after a traffic stop.
The incident began shortly before 3:00 a.m., when Officers Champagne and Keith Besson were patrolling the area of Daniel Turner Court. They noticed a 1998 red KIA Sport speeding away from them, so they began a pursuit.
After the chase, the driver tried to flee on foot after ditching the vehicle on Bayouside Drive. Police say Officers Champagne and Besson caught up to the suspect, Wendell Coby Matthews of Chauvin, in a wooded area. Matthews reportedly resisted arrest, and after being Tasered, drew a handgun and fired at Officer Champagne, hitting him in the chest and arm.
Houma police officials say Champagne fired back, hitting Matthews several times. Police say Matthews again fled the area, only to be captured a short time later, found hiding under a trailer on Anacin Street.
Acadian Ambulance took Matthews and Champagne to local hospitals. Matthews is listed in stable condition. Officer Champagne was wearing his bullet proof vest, and was treated and released with minor injuries.
Charges against Matthews are pending the outcome of the investigation.
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