By ROBIN SHANNON
L’Observateur

LAPLACE — Louisiana State Police shot and killed one man and injured another during an undercover narcotics investigation that turned violent outside of a LaPlace housing development Friday morning.

Plain clothed state troopers got into an “altercation” with several people during the undercover drug case outside a residence in the LaPlace Oaks public housing complex, according to Senior Trooper Joseph Piglia, a spokesman for State Police. He said two men fired on the troopers, who fired back and struck both.

The suspect who was killed was identified as Jeremiah Randle, 20, of LaPlace. The injured suspect, Derrick Dennis, 26, 163 Joe Parquet Circle, was taken to River Parishes Hospital in LaPlace for treatment of a gunshot wound to the buttocks. After receiving treatment Dennis tried to flee the hospital, but authorities on the scene immediately apprehended him, Piglia said.

Two other men were arrested in connection with the drug investigation, which, according to Piglia, began around 11:30 a.m. Friday in the 100 block of Joe Parquet Circle. Neon Narcisse, 20, 121 Carmichael Court, LaPlace, turned himself in Friday evening and Carnell J. Randle, 30, 3020 Essex St., LaPlace, was arrested Saturday near the scene of the shootout. Narcisse, who is believed to be one of the shooters, was the subject of an area manhunt by State Police and St. John deputies, Piglia said.

State Police did not have many details regarding the shooting Friday. Piglia would neither describe the investigation nor say how many officers were involved. He did say that one trooper was injured in the altercation when he was struck in the face by one of the suspects. The trooper was taken to a hospital, where he was treated and released.

A release from State Police Troop B said four men approached a trooper sitting in a vehicle in front of 147 Joe Parquet Circle. During a brief conversation, one of the suspects brandished a handgun and pointed it at the trooper, while another suspect, later identified as Narcisse, assaulted the trooper and tried to rob him.

During a struggle with the suspects, the trooper was able to draw his weapon and fire several shots at the armed suspects, hitting Jeremiah Randle and Dennis. Narcisse and Carnell Randle fled the scene and were not injured.

State Police and St. John deputies canvassed the area around the housing development in an effort to locate Narcisse Friday. Piglia said authorities searched on foot, patrolled in vehicles and kept watch via helicopter.

According to St. John Sheriff Wayne L. Jones, the entire altercation and subsequent shootout was captured on video by surveillance cameras that were installed throughout the complex in June by the St. John Parish Housing Authority, which runs the LaPlace Oaks residences. State Police Superintendent Col. Michael Edmonson said multiple shots were fired during the shootout.

Capt. Dane Clement, public information officer for the Sheriff’s Office, said Narcisse was booked on charges of attempted first-degree murder, armed robbery, simple battery and distribution of cocaine. Dennis was booked with armed robbery, distribution of cocaine, resisting arrest and simple escape. Carnell Randle was booked with armed robbery and distribution of cocaine.

Clement said all three men have previous arrests in St. John Parish. The suspects remain in jail at the Sherman Walker Correctional Facility in LaPlace. Dennis was being held in lieu of $234,000 bond; Narcisse, $452,500; and Randle, $200,000.