On the night of October 1, 2017, Lafayette Police Corporal Michael Paul Middlebrook, a 44-year-old male, was shot and killed in the line of duty while responding to a call at a convenience store. A nine-year veteran of the department and a United States Army veteran, he was known for his dedication to serving the community. The incident began around 10 p.m.
with a report of a battery and shots fired near Moss Street and Van Buren Drive.
Upon Corporal Middlebrook's arrival at the scene, a male subject immediately opened fire on him, leading to an exchange of gunfire. During the shootout, Corporal Middlebrook was fatally wounded. The shooter fled the scene, leaving behind a community in shock and mourning for the loss of a husband, father, and dedicated officer. Two other individuals were also injured in the shooting but sustained non-life-threatening injuries.
The suspect, identified as 28-year-old Ian Paul Howard, was apprehended a short time later. He was discovered hiding in a nearby drainage ditch following an investigation by the Louisiana State Police. Howard was subsequently arrested and faced serious charges for his actions. On October 11, 2017, a grand jury indicted him for the first-degree murder of a police officer, attempted murder of a police officer, and two additional counts of attempted murder.
In 2023, Ian Howard reached a plea deal, pleading guilty to the first-degree murder of Corporal Middlebrook and three counts of attempted murder. This plea resulted in a sentence of life in prison for the murder charge, with an additional 50 years for each count of attempted murder, ensuring he would spend the remainder of his life behind bars for the tragic and senseless death of Corporal Michael Paul Middlebrook.
