Motorists detained an armed suspect? That takes some guts. Prayers out for the officer.

CALCASIEU PARISH, LA (KPLC) –
A Louisiana State Trooper shot in the head Sunday afternoon near Bell City is in critical condition at Lake Charles Memorial Hospital, hospital officials confirmed.

The trooper, whose name has not been released, was airlifted to Memorial, hospital spokesman Matt Felder said.

A suspect has been arrested in connection with the incident, which happened just before 2:45 p.m. near La. 14 and Fruge, Road, said Sgt. James Anderson, Troop D spokesman. The suspect’s name has not yet been released.

Anderson said the trooper was responding to a report of a vehicle driving in an unsafe manner. The vehicle was found in a ditch.

The accused shooter was also taken to a hospital, Anderson said, but did not give further details.

Colonel Michael D. Edmonson with the Louisiana State Police posted the following message to Facebook:

**Trooper Critically Injured – Prayers Needed**

The entire LSP family is requesting your thoughts and prayers following the shooting of a Louisiana State Police Trooper in the Lake Charles area.

The incident occurred as the Trooper conducted a traffic stop on a suspected impaired driver and was shot during the course of the interaction. The suspect was subsequently detained by passing motorists as additional citizens rendered aid to the Trooper until assistance arrived on the scene.

Further information and the Trooper’s identity and status will be forthcoming as the investigation continues.

Please take a moment from your Sunday afternoon to send prayers and well wishes to the Trooper and his family in this critical time.

Thank you and God Bless,
Colonel Michael D. Edmonson