Louisiana Police Officer Shot; Suspect Behind Bars

Luckily, the police officer survived the shooting and is now recovering.

Late Saturday night, a police officer named Marshall Waters was completing a standard traffic stop after pulling over a speeding driver. The incident took place in NE Louisiana near Mangham.

27-year-old Hermandus Semien of Ville Platte was the driver, and he had no intentions on remaining civilized. Earlier in the day, Semien robbed a pharmacy in Rayville, and stole the truck he was being pulled over in. Quickly into the stop, Semien pulled his firearm and shot officer Waters in the stomach region. After shooting the officer, Semien fled south of the incident and eventually aboned the stolen vehicle near Fort Necessity in Franklin Parish.

Luckily for all involved, and anyone unlucky enough to cross paths with Semien, he was found shortly after near Fort Necessity and taken into police custody. Hopefully, he won't see the light of day anytime soon. Semien is facing a plethora of charges including attempted first-degree murder of a police officer.

Officer Waters is currently recovering from his gunshot wound, and is doing well all things considered. According to State Police Trooper Michael Reichardt, Waters was indeed shot in the stomach, but is expected to make a full recovery. Trooper Reichardt says, "Thank goodness he was flown to a local hospital, where he does remain stable condition.”

Thank goodness indeed, our thoughts are with Officer Waters and all who protect and serve our communities.