In Memory of Police Officer Marshall Waters, Jr.

Louisiana Officer Shot and Killed

On Thursday, November 5, 2020, Louisiana authorities announced the loss of an experienced police officer due to gun violence injuries during a traffic stop weeks earlier. Police Officer Marshall Waters, Jr., age 49, died from his wounds suffered while trying to enforce the law.

Officer Waters was shot on October 17, 2020, and fought for two weeks to survive his wounds. On that day, Waters conducted a traffic stop on Highway 425. The vehicle was pulled over near the Franklin Parish and Richland Parish border. The car that he pulled over had just been reported stolen during a robbery. The driver is suspected of being involved in an armed commercial robbery in Rayville. The suspect had robbed the Yancey Pharmacy at gunpoint in Rayville earlier that day.

After pulling over the vehicle, Officer Waters stepped from his car and was shot in the abdomen by the driver. The round missed Officer Waters’ vest. Hitting just below the vest, the bullet severely damaged the femoral artery. The suspect fled the scene, only to be caught and arrested later in the day.

Waters was transported quickly by airlift to the Rapides Regional Medical Center in Alexandria, Louisiana. Once at the hospital, he underwent surgery to repair the artery. From his injuries, Officer Waters was subjected to three additional surgeries in an attempt to save his life. He fought bravely to win the battle for his health, only to die nearly three weeks later from his injuries.

Officer Waters spent his life-giving to and protecting his community. He worked part-time as a sworn officer for the Mangham Police Department and full-time as an EMT for the North Louisiana Ambulance Service. His most recent assignment as an EMT was at the Rayville Station.
The case is under investigation by several agencies, including Richland Parish Sheriff’s Office and the Louisiana State Police.

Mangham Police Department

Officer Waters worked for the Mangham Police Department. It is a small rural police department that employs approximately seven sworn officers. It is located in the town of Mangham, Louisiana. Mangham is considered a village in northeastern Louisiana. It has a population of approximately 700 residents. Officer Waters was well-known and liked among Mangham residents; his services will be a considerable loss to the area.

Community Loses Important Safety Officer

For the Waters’ family, they lost an important member of their family. For the community of Rayville, they lost a vital safety officer that not only provides protection to residents but also saves their lives in a medical emergency. For the loss of a necessary safety officer, Mangham will find it hard to replace such a valuable individual.

Mangham Police Chief Perry Fleming posted an announcement and condolences. “It’s with great sadness and broken hearts that I, Chief Perry Fleming, and the Mangham Police Department have to inform you of the passing of Officer Marshall Waters PD3, who was shot in the line of duty on October 17, 2020. We ask that you please continue to pray for the Marshall Waters family and the Mangham Police Department family during this time. RIP PD3.”

A spokesman for the ambulance company, Shane Scott, asked for prayers for the family. “He is an individual who spends most, if not all, of his time dedicated to public service and public safety. I urge members of the community to keep the Waters family in their prayers.”