Lake Charles, LA –
Last night at approximately 9:00 p.m. Calcasieu Parish Sheriff’s Office deputies received a call in the 200 block of Highway 171 in Lake Charles in reference to an unknown man, later identified as David W. Hungerford, 47, Lake Charles, yelling at an individual in the parking lot. The complainant also advised deputies the suspect had been stumbling around the parking lot.
Moments later deputies received another call near the initial call in reference to a suspect, matching the description of Hungerford, stealing from a convenience store. While deputies were in the area attempting to locate Hungerford they received a third call in reference to him being inside a fast food restaurant in the 100 block of Highway 171, having trouble standing.
Less than a minute later deputies observed Hungerford in the 200 block of Sam Houston Jones Parkway, at which time they attempted to make contact with him. Hungerford fled the area but was quickly located. When deputies attempted to detain Hungerford, he began to physically resist and fight with deputies. Shortly after deputies deployed a Taser, at which time they are able to take Hungerford into custody.
Moments after Hungerford was taken into custody he became unconscious, at which time deputies immediately began life saving measures including administering Narcan, CPR, and the use of an AED (automated external defibrillator). An off-duty EMT, who happened to be in the area, assisted deputies with life saving measures.
At approximately 9:40 p.m., moments after being dispatched, medical personnel arrived on scene at which time Hungerford was transported to a local hospital, where he was later pronounced dead.
“I always tell our deputies to treat everyone like family, although Mr. Hungerford was breaking the law, he is still someone’s family member and friend. My heart goes out to them at this time of loss. I watched body cam and in-car camera footage and I am certain our deputies took appropriate action and did everything by the book. Detectives will complete the investigation and the findings will be turned over to the District Attorney’s Office,” stated Sheriff Tony Mancuso.
The investigation is continuing and it has been learned the suspect had entered multiple businesses causing a disturbance prior to deputies’ arrival.
The coroner will determine cause of death.
CPSO Detective Larry Cormier is the lead investigator on this case.
An arrest is an indication that probable cause exists to believe the subject was involved in the offense alleged. A person is innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.