NEW IBERIA, La. — Louisiana State Police are continuing their investigation into an officer-involved shooting that left one man dead in New Iberia on Wednesday night.
The victim has been identified as 30-year-old Justin Rhine, a resident of New Iberia. According to preliminary reports, deputies from the Iberia Parish Sheriff’s Office, assisted by officers from the New Iberia Police Department (NIPD), were attempting to take Rhine into custody on an Order of Protective Custody.
At the time of the attempted arrest, Rhine allegedly fled from law enforcement. During the encounter, Rhine reportedly produced a firearm, prompting NIPD officers to discharge their service weapons. Rhine was struck by gunfire and sustained fatal injuries. He was pronounced dead at the scene.
The Louisiana State Police, which is leading the investigation, confirmed that the incident occurred in the area of New Iberia, but further details surrounding the circumstances of the shooting have not yet been released.
Authorities have emphasized that the investigation is still active, and additional information will be provided as it becomes available. State Police have asked for patience from the public as they work to determine the full facts of the case.
This shooting is the latest in a series of officer-involved incidents under investigation in Louisiana, with local authorities and state agencies continuing to examine the interactions between law enforcement and community members.
The Iberia Parish Sheriff’s Office and New Iberia Police Department have yet to comment further on the incident, and no officers have been named or placed on administrative leave at this time.
As the investigation unfolds, community members and residents of New Iberia await further details about the tragic event that claimed the life of Justin Rhine.