BREAKING: Suspect dies in CPSO custody after being tased

A 47-year-old Lake Charles man died in custody Tuesday night after he was tased by Calcasieu Parish Sheriff’s deputies.

CPSO spokesperson Kayla Vincent said at about 9 p.m. Tuesday deputies received a call about a man — later identified as David W. Hungerford — yelling at an individual in a parking lot in the 200 block of U.S. 171.  The caller also told deputies the suspect had been stumbling around the parking lot.

“Moments later deputies received another call near the initial call in reference to a suspect, matching the description of Hungerford, stealing from a convenience store,” Vincent said. “While deputies were in the area attempting to locate Hungerford they received a third call in reference to him being inside a fast food restaurant in the 100 block of Highway 171, having trouble standing.”

Vincent said deputies found Hungerford less than a minute after the third call in the the 200 block of Sam Houston Jones Parkway. She said as deputies attempted to make contact with him, Hungerford fled the area but was quickly located. 

“When deputies attempted to detain Hungerford, he began to physically resist and fight with deputies,” Vincent said. “Shortly after deputies deployed a Taser, at which time they are able to take Hungerford into custody.”

Vincent said moments after Hungerford was taken into custody he became unconscious and time deputies immediately began life-saving measures — including administering Narcan, CPR, and the use of an AED (automated external defibrillator). 

An off-duty EMT, who happened to be in the area, assisted deputies with life-saving measures. 

Vincent said was transported to a local hospital, where he was later pronounced dead. 

“I always tell our deputies to treat everyone like family, although Mr. Hungerford was breaking the law, he is still someone’s family member and friend,” said Sheriff Tony Mancuso. “My heart goes out to them at this time of loss.  I watched body cam and in-car camera footage and I am certain our deputies took appropriate action and did everything by the book.”

Manuso said detectives will complete the investigation and the findings will be turned over to the District Attorney’s Office. The coroner will determine cause of death.

Vincent said the investigation is continuing and it has been learned Hungerford had entered multiple businesses causing a disturbance prior to deputies’ arrival.