A federal agent was fatally shot while trying to help authorities capture a man who failed to show up to his sexual battery trial in Louisiana, according to the US justice department.
Clarence Frazier Jr, 48, was charged with murder in the killing of deputy US marshal Drew Hanson, authorities said. Frazier could face life imprisonment or the death penalty if he is eventually convicted of murdering Hanson.
The justice department said Hanson was participating in a joint law enforcement operation to arrest Frazier in the Louisiana city of Alexandria for having failed to attend his trial on a sexual battery charge.
According to federal prosecutors, US marshals and local sheriff’s office deputies obtained a search warrant for Frazier’s home on Monday and identified themselves once they arrived there.
Authorities said they eventually forced entry into Frazier’s home and found him barricaded in his bedroom. Frazier allegedly opened fire at officers, striking Hanson and wounding him mortally.
Frazier was arrested after a standoff. Officials said he was injured during that standoff and taken to a hospital for treatment.
A statement from acting US attorney general Todd Blanche said Hanson “paid the ultimate price while protecting our communities”.
“His sacrifice will never be forgotten, and his service will forever stand as an inspiration to all who wear the badge,” Blanche’s statement added.
Hanson is among more than 200 US marshals, deputy marshals, special deputy marshals and marshal guards who have died in the line of duty since 1794, according to a roll call of honor on the agency’s website.
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Rae Walberg of WWL Louisiana, a Guardian reporting partner, contributed
