Louisiana State Police Now Investigating Shooting Of Bank Robbery Suspect

Louisiana State Police made the announcement Monday after a chase involving the man accused of robbing Home Bank on Ambassador Caffery last Friday and Lafayette Police became deadly.

Spokesperson Trooper Stephen Hammons says Lafayette Police requested the investigation. Troopers say LPD officers were in pursuit of 41-year-old Thomas Helvik of Port Allen after it was reported he had just robbed the bank.

Hammons say Helvik drove off the road and into a field as he was trying to get away. When Helvik got out of the truck, authorities say shots were fired and Helvik was struck.

Helvik was pronounced dead at the scene.

The case remains under investigation.