Louisiana State Police Release Additional Details Regarding Wildlife and Fisheries Enforcement Agent-Involved Shooting in Evangeline Parish

Evangeline Parish – On February 12, 2024, at approximately 12:00 p.m., an enforcement agent with the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries (LDWF) was conducting surveillance on a residence located in the 5200 block of Crooked Creek Parkway in Ville Platte. The subject, 43-year-old Johnny E. Clark, was wanted for a felony warrant issued by LDWF.

At some point while conducting surveillance, the agent encountered Clark in a wooded area near the residence. Clark then fled the area, entered his house, and armed himself with a firearm. While inside the house, a family member gained possession of Clark’s firearm. Clark then fled the house and entered a vehicle parked in the yard, and attempted to leave.

The LDWF agent entered the vehicle in an attempt to prevent Clark from fleeing. An altercation ensued in which Clark attempted to disarm the agent. At some point, the agent’s firearm discharged striking the driver side door. Neither the agent nor Clark were injured from the firearm discharge.

Evangeline Parish Sheriff’s Office deputies transported Clark to the Evangeline Parish Jail. The Louisiana State Police Bureau of Investigations - Criminal Investigations Division is conducting the investigation into this agent-involved shooting. This is an ongoing investigation, and charges are forthcoming.