State Police investigating in-custody death in parish

Published 11:43 am Monday, December 20, 2021

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On Sunday evening, detectives assigned to the Louisiana State Police Bureau of Investigations were requested by the Bogalusa Police Department to investigate an in-custody death occurring within the city limits of Bogalusa.

Trooper William Huggins of the LSP Public Affairs Section said that the preliminary investigation revealed that shortly after 11 a.m. on Sunday, Washington Parish Sheriff’s Office deputies responded to a single-vehicle crash on Borgne Avenue in Bogalusa.

After their arrival, deputies learned that the driver of the vehicle, Eric L. Nelson, 28, of Bogalusa, had multiple felony warrants previously issued in Bogalusa, Huggins said.

“Officers with the Bogalusa Police Department arrived on the scene at the request of the Washington Parish Sheriff’s Office,” Huggins said. “Upon their arrival, Nelson attempted to flee on foot. After a brief foot pursuit, Nelson was taken into custody by the Bogalusa Police Department. During the incident, a Taser was utilized.”

While being transported to the Bogalusa City Jail, Nelson complained of respiratory issues, Huggins said. Bogalusa Police Department Officers called emergency medical services for assistance.

After being evaluated by emergency medical services personnel, Nelson was transported to a local hospital, Huggins said. Nelson died while receiving treatment at the local hospital.

This is an active investigation and further information will be released when it becomes available.