LAKE CHARLES, La. (KLFY) — Louisiana State Police have released more information on the fatal officer-involved shooting in Lake Charles on July 3.

The person killed was identified as Diamonte Lafanette, 23, of Lake Charles.

Investigators said the Lake Charles Police Department received information that a male subject (later identified as Lafanette) was pointing a gun at passing motorists. When officers began arriving in the area, they encountered Lafanette allegedly brandishing a firearm. An initial exchange of gunfire occurred between Lafanette and the officers, after which Lafanette ran away.

Authorities said Lafanette emerged from behind a residence and opened fire on the officers, prompting a second exchange of gunfire, during which Lafanette was shot. He was taken to a local hospital, where he later died.

Detectives located a handgun near Lafanette that had previously been reported stolen, officials said.

This investigation remains active and ongoing.

Anyone with information and/or pictures and video is urged to share that information with LSP Detectives. You may anonymously report information through the Louisiana State Police online reporting system by visiting lsp.org and clicking on Report Suspicious or Criminal Activity, or calling the LSP Fusion Center Hotline at 1-800-434-8007.

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