Police Officer Matthew Lane Gerald

Matthew Lane Gerald

Police Officer Matthew Gerald, Corporal Montrell Jackson, and Deputy Sheriff Brad Garafola, of the East Baton Rouge Parish Sheriff's Office, were shot and killed by a subject outside of a convenience store at 9611 Airline Highway shortly before 9:00 am.

Officers had received reports of a subject walking along the roadway carrying a rifle. As responding officers arrived in the area they were ambushed by the subject. Deputy Garafola, Corporal Jackson, and Officer Gerald were killed and three other officers were wounded, including one who was critically wounded.

The subject was shot and killed by other responding officers.

Officer Gerald was a U.S. Marine Corps veteran and had served with the Baton Rouge Police Department for nine months. He is survived by his wife, two daughters and a son (who was born after his father was killed).