[UPDATE] Suspect Dies In Opelousas Police Custody – State Police Investigating

A suspect in the custody of Opelousas Police Department died overnight. State Police have been called in to investigate.

From KATC:

Family members have identified the victim as Dennis "Mooney" Lazard.

Police say the incident happened early Wednesday morning but didn't confirm an exact time. We're told officers were called to the scene after getting reports of a home invasion on Herman Street near Railroad Avenue. When they arrived, they found Lazard trying to escape through a window and arrested him.

Details about what led to Lazard's death, how he died, or if the officers were in danger have not be released.

Residents in that neighborhood told KATC that the man was running into several houses, banging on the walls and saying he was having trouble breathing.

Police say no officers were hurt. They can't confirm the motive for the break-in, whether or not it was a random act of violence, or if the suspect knew the victims.

It is standard procedure for State Police to investigate any incident involving local police.

State Police spokesman Master Trooper Brooks David said no shots were fired.