A Houma police officer is alive and well after being shot several times this morning during a struggle with a suspect. Following a high speed chase, Officer Kelly Champagne and Keith Besson chased down the suspect in a wooded area near Chauvin, and that's where a violent fight took place. Police had to use a Taser to subdue the man, but say instead he pulled out a gun and shot officer Champagne twice.
"We have an officer's life actually saved today by this bullet proof vest," said Houma Police Chief Todd Duplantis. "The officer was hit in the chest, he has a bruise."
Houma Police Chief Todd Duplantis:
Police say Officer Champagne shot back at close range, hitting the suspect several times. Identified as Wendell Matthews of Chauvin, he is in stable condition at a hospital facing a battery of charges. Officer Kelly Champagne was treated and released.
State police have been called in to investigate the entire incident.