Father Of Accused Cop Killer Offers “Deepest Sympathies”
The family, friends and law enforcement brothers and sisters are still reeling from the shooting death of Corporal Michael Middlebrook.
The father and husband was shot while answering a call at the Big Boy convenience store on the corner of Moss and Van Buren Streets.
Ian Paul Howard has been arrested for murder in the death of the officer along with a charge of attempted murder of a police officer and attempted murder of two other people.
Edwin Howard, the father of Ian Paul Howard says he and his family extended their deepest sympathies to Officer Middlebrook's family, friends and fellow law enforcement officials.
Howard says he was horrified to hear what happened, and that his son has mental health issues.
Howard says he spoke to his son about an hour and a half before the shooting Sunday night. He says his son seemed fairly normal.
His father adds that at some point, as an adult, mental health issues manifested for his son. He says his son has a bachelor's degree in English from UL, and had worked as an insurance salesperson.
Edwin Howard says now is the time to focus on healing for Officer Middlebrook's family, friends and colleagues.
When we spoke to Lafayette Police Chief Toby Aguillard this morning, he asked that everyone remember Middlebrook's family and his police family.
He says, "our officers are hurting."
Funeral arrangements for pending for Corporal Middlebrook, but you can donate to a fund set up to help his family by clicking here.
Chief Aguillard adds that he invites the public to visit the memorial at their office that has been set up to honor and remember Officer Middlebrook.