Wednesday afternoon the Saint Mary Parish Sheriffs Department Narcotics Division was investigating a drug violation, when the suspect drove away. The police pursued after the suspect.
The chase finally ended in front of The Church of Christ on Railroad Avenue. Police say the suspect crossed the center line traveling at a high rate of speed and hit another driver head on. The suspect fleeing from police was killed in the crash. The driver of the other car was transported to a hospital to receive treatment for moderate to critical injuries. Trooper Stephen Hammons says due to the nature of what the suspect was doing before the chase this is a unique situation.
"It is believed right now that that the suspect did possibly have narcotics in that vehicle. So, as a result we actually have a dual investigation that's taking place right now with state police as well as the sheriffs department."
Area residents were upset the St. Mary Parish Sheriff's Department pursued the suspect into a residential area.
Some said school bus was in the area when the accident happened.
Hammons says that it's a department by department decision how they handle police chases, but when a person flees from police after possibly committing a felony; they have the obligation to do what it takes to try and apprehend that individual.