LAFAYETTE PARISH, La. (NEWS 15) -- The man shot and killed by law enforcement officers in the Lafayette area is the man wanted for escaping while being transported by the staff of a mental health clinic in Baton Rouge back to the St. Landry Parish Jail, according to Louisiana State Police.
Troopers reported Michael Vavasseur, 34, of Duson, died after a chase and shootout with law enforcement in Carencro on Saturday, April 18.
Detectives with Louisiana State Police Bureau of Investigations continue to investigate the shooting, which involved officers from Scott Police Department, Lafayette Parish Sheriff's Office, and Carencro Police Department.
Troopers explained the preliminary investigation revealed that Scott police officers tried to pull over a 2014 Nissan Altima driven by Vavasseur, but he failed to comply and a pursuit ensued.
They said the chase traveled through Lafayette Parish and into Carencro, where Lafayette Parish sheriff's deputies and Carencro police officers assisted.
They added Vavasseur stopped at a home on Tee Ma Road in Carencro, where a passenger got out of the car and was taken into custody by law enforcement.
They noted Vavasseur then drove off, nearly hitting a Carencro police officer, and in response, the officer fired at least one shot, striking the Nissan, but Vavasseur continued to flee.
Investigators reported the chase ended when the Altima collided with a law enforcement vehicle on North Wilderness Trail in Carencro. They said Vavasseur got out of the car armed with a gun and ran away.
They added while he was running, Vavasseur stopped and fired at law enforcement, who then returned fire, striking him. They noted Vavasseur was pronounced dead at the scene.
According to LSP, a Lafayette Parish Sheriff's Office K-9 was hit during the shootout and treated by a veterinarian. The dog is currently listed as stable. No other law enforcement personnel were injured. Troopers added Vavasseur's passenger was also uninjured during the shooting.
Court records show Vavasseur was set to face trial in June for domestic abuse, burglary, and weapons violations stemming from an arrest last October. He is also a convicted felon in Lafayette with a history of repeated arrests over the past five years for domestic abuse, drugs, and weapons charges.
Authorities said Vavasseur escaped a transport vehicle on Wednesday, April 15, while being driven by the staff of a mental health clinic in Baton Rouge back to the St. Landry Parish Jail. They added he managed to free himself from restraints and flee from the vehicle.
Court records show Vavasseur was supposed to complete 23 days of mental health treatment at the order of a judge as a condition of bond. Officials said he failed to successfully complete the treatment.
The St. Landry Parish Sheriff's Office reported it doesn't understand why it wasn't notified so that deputies could've handled the transport of the suspect.
The investigations into the escape and shooting are ongoing.