Wednesday, June 4, 2008

SWAT Officers Kill Man in FEMA Trailer Dispute

SWAT officers in Louisiana shot and killed a mentally ill man who authorities report would not leave his federally supplied trailer following a 10-hour showdown.

Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) workers reportedly alerted police on Tuesday after they claim the man, Eric Mindshew, was carrying a handgun and ordered FEMA workers to leave the property in New Orleans' Lakeview neighborhood when they came to inspect it. FEMA's visit to the trailer was reportedly the first step in the agency's efforts to reclaim the property.

Mindshew reportedly locked himself in a nearby home that was partially gutted, then shot twice at police. Mindshew was killed later after he reportedly pointed the gun at an officer. He died at a local hospital.

The block where Mindshew was shot was ravaged back in 2005 by Hurricane Katrina. Many homes in the area remain unrepaired.

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