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Charles Paul Craig

Gender : Male

Age : 54

Race : White

Date : 07/12/2025

Location : US-167 and Paradise Point Ln

City : Ruston

County : Lincoln

State : Louisiana

Agency : Lincoln Parish Sheriff's Office

Officer(s) :Not Disclosed

Cause of Death : Gunshot

Event : Killed by police after pursuit

OPEN RECORDS SUMMARY :

On Saturday evening, July 12, 2025, deputies with the Lincoln Parish Sheriff's Office attempted a traffic stop on 54-year-old Charles Paul Craig along a highway near Choudrant, Louisiana, for undisclosed reasons. Craig refused to stop, prompting deputies to initiate a vehicle pursuit that extended approximately 16 miles along Interstate 20. During the pursuit, deputies reported seeing Craig holding a firearm inside the vehicle.
The chase ended when Craig exited I-20 onto U.S. Highway 167, eventually coming to a stop near Paradise Point Lane just south of Ruston. Deputies stated that Craig exited the vehicle holding a gun and refused commands to drop the weapon. According to officials, he pointed the firearm at officers, prompting deputies to open fire. Craig was fatally shot at the scene.
Authorities later confirmed that another individual was injured during the incident, though their identity, condition, and relationship to Craig have not been publicly disclosed. It remains unclear whether the injured person was struck by gunfire from Craig or deputies, or if they were a passenger or bystander.
Craig was pronounced dead at the scene. No deputies were reported injured. Authorities have not yet stated how many officers fired their weapons, whether body camera footage exists, or whether any audio/video will be publicly released.
The Lincoln Parish Sheriff's Office is leading the investigation, with additional support from the Louisiana State Police. As of this writing, no administrative actions or officer names have been released. The motive behind Craig’s actions and the initial cause for the attempted traffic stop remain unconfirmed.

SOURCE LINKS :

https://lincolnparishjournal.com/2025/07/13/breaking-armed-suspect-shot-following-lincoln-parish-pursuit/
https://www.myarklamiss.com/crime/lincoln-parish-chase-ends-in-deadly-shooting/
https://www.rustonleader.com/breaking-news-news/authorities-identify-suspect-killed-officer-involved-shooting
https://cache.legacy.net/legacy/images/cobrands/legacyadn/photos/20f4bbcf-329e-4016-9c1f-e55c1401cd59.jpgx?w=200&h=200&option=3