Suspect charged with murder in fatal shooting of deputy US Marshal in Louisiana
A fugitive who allegedly shot and killed a deputy U.S. Marshal helping to serve an arrest warrant for him in Alexandria, Louisiana, has been charged with murder, according to federal prosecutors.
The suspect, 48-year-old Clarence A. Frazier Jr., was charged on Tuesday with murder of a federal officer, stemming from Monday's fatal shooting of Deputy U.S. Marshal Drew Hanson, according to the Department of Justice (DOJ).
"U.S. Marshals risk their lives every day -- securing our courts, protecting our communities, and working shoulder-to-shoulder with local law enforcement to bring dangerous fugitives to justice. Deputy U.S. Marshal Drew Hanson embodied that courage and dedication," Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche said in a statement.
Blanche added, "Drew 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."
The Rapides Parish Sheriff's Office said in a statement that the incident occurred on Monday afternoon when "Sheriff’s Detectives, along with members of the U.S. Marshals Violent Offender Task Force, were conducting a law enforcement operation in the Rutland Road area to arrest a wanted fugitive where an Officer Involved Shooting occurred."
Frazier was wanted on a charge of failing to appear for trial on a state charge of sexual battery on a person with infirmities, according to the DOJ.
If convicted of the killing of Hanson, Frazier faces a sentence of life in prison or death, according to the DOJ.
Hanson was part of a team of U.S. Marshals and Rapides Parish Sheriff's deputies who served a warrant at Frazier's home around 3 p.m. on Monday, according to court documents.
According to the DOJ statement, the officer "approached Frazier's residence while bearing clear law enforcement markings to execute the warrant, announced their presence, and forced entry into the residence."
Frazier was barricaded in a bedroom when he allegedly opened fire, hitting Hanson, who was pronounced dead at the scene, according to the DOJ.
After a lengthy standoff, Frazier was taken into custody, the DOJ said.
The FBI is investigating the shooting with the assistance of the Rapides Parish Sheriff's Office.
"We will commit our full force of resources to conduct a thorough investigation with our partners at the Rapides Parish Sheriff's Office and the Department of Justice to ensure the individual responsible for this horrific act is brought to justice," FBI Director Kash Patel said in a statement.
Tom Chittum, the former associate deputy director of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms & Explosives, told ABC News that fugitive operations are dangerous for law enforcement.
"Fugitive operations are some of the most dangerous situations that law enforcement officers face because they are often pursuing people who know they are wanted, are on alert, and have already decided they are not going to be taken into custody without a fight," Chittum said. "It is truly dangerous work."
