Holly MatkinPort Allen, LA – A retired Baton Rouge police officer was fatally stabbed while trying to help a man by the side of the road on Sunday.
Authorities said the attack occurred on Interstate 10 westbound shortly after 12 p.m. on Nov. 20, WAFB reported.
A West Baton Rouge Parish Sheriff’s Office (WBRSO) deputy responded to the area near Exit 415 after receiving a report that a man was attacking a Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development (DOTD) Motor Assistance Patrol (MAP) employee, according to KTBS.
The deputy arrived to find the suspect “actively attacking” the DOTD MAP worker, the sheriff’s office said.
The victim was later identified as 66-year-old Darrell Guillory, who was also a retired BRPD officer.
Investigators determined the suspect attacked Guillory – stabbing him repeatedly in his head – after Guillory stopped to help him, KTBS reported.
Deputies ultimately shot the unidentified suspect during the harrowing confrontation, ending the attack on Guillory, according to WVLA.
The suspect and Guillory were both rushed to a local hospital, where they were pronounced dead, WAFB reported.
While out assisting at the scene of the incident, an Addis Police Department (APD) officer was struck by a motorist traveling through the area, KTBS reported.
The APD officer ended up walking away from the collision without significant injuries, investigators said.
The Louisiana State Police (LSP) are handling the investigation into the stabbing and the fatal officer-involved shooting.
“The investigation remains ongoing with further information to be released in coordination with the West Baton Rouge Parish District Attorney’s Office at the appropriate time,” the LSP said.
No additional information was immediately released.
The retired officer’s niece, Brooke Barras, told WAFB Guillory was an extremely kind person who went out of his way to help others.
“This is very shocking for our family. He was an amazing man! Sweetest, kindest soul. Always willing to help anyone,” Barras said. “He adored his wife and she is devastated right now.”
DPTD Secretary Shawn Wilson released a statement in the wake of the deadly attack, WAFB reported.
“The entire DOTD family extends our thoughts and prayers on the passing of a member of our Motorist Assistance Patrol,” Wilson said. “Our Motorist Assistance Patrol staff put their life on the line every day in an effort to assist citizens in need. In the days ahead, DOTD asks for your prayers and support for all those affected by today’s incident.”
