According to Shreveport police, one cop died, and another was severely injured in a rollover incident Friday afternoon.
Off-duty officers were driving a blue Mustang along W.70th Street when they collided with a white van as the driver seemed to make a left turn into their path. Following the incident, the automobile skidded down the road before veering into an empty home and rolling over. Officer Matthew Rhoden, 37, was killed in the crash.
The other officer, who has not been identified, was transferred to Ochsner LSU Health with life-threatening injuries, according to Sgt. Angie Wilhite. The van’s driver sustained no injuries. The crash occurred at 2 p.m. on W. 70th Street near Broadacres Road. More than 20 Shreveport police, fire, and state troopers responded.
City Council District G Councilwoman Ursula Bowman issued the following statement: “I am heartbroken to learn of the horrific tragedy in District G that killed a committed City of Shreveport police officer and gravely injured another resident. This terrible news is a tremendous loss for our community. As the City Councilwoman for District G, I want to express my heartfelt sympathies to the family of our heroic officer who selflessly served and protected our community. Their bravery and dedication to service will not be forgotten. I ask the whole city of Shreveport to join me in mourning this tragedy and to keep the impacted families in our thoughts and prayers. “We can support one another during this tough time.”
