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Sheriff: Louisiana deputy fatally shoots man who pointed gun

MARRERO, La. (AP) — A Louisiana deputy fatally shot a man who led authorities on a chase and later pointed a gun at the deputy, officials said.

Modesto Reyes, 35, was shot and killed by a Jefferson Parish sheriff’s deputy Wednesday night, news outlets reported.

Jefferson Parish Sheriff Joe Lopinto said deputies tried to stop the driver of a red Dodge Ram pickup truck about 10:20 p.m. Wednesday, but the driver refused to stop and fled.

Lopinto said the driver had difficulty making a turn in his truck, so he abandoned the vehicle and fled on foot, then tripped and fell.

A deputy approached Reyes to handcuff him but Reyes turned and pointed a gun at deputy, Lopinto said. The deputy fired multiple shots and Reyes was pronounced dead at the scene.

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Lopinto said Reyes had two firearms and drugs on him. The name of the deputy was not released and it's unclear whether the deputy's action were under investigation.

Modesto’s sister, Librada Turner, said she found out her brother was dead from an acquaintance, The Times-Picayune/The New Orleans Advocate reported.

Turner and other family members said Reyes was a local musician and a welder who worked in construction.

“He’s not a violent person,” Turner said. “He’s made mistakes, but no one deserves to go like this.”