Louisiana sheriff's deputy shot, killed while on-duty

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Louisiana deputy killed in the line of duty

Officer was shot and killed, gunman is in the hospital

A Louisiana sheriff's deputy was shot and killed late Saturday night while conducting a rape investigation near a Baton Rouge hair salon, officials said.

A suspect, who was not named, was also injured during the incident.

East Baton Rouge Sheriff's Deputy Sgt. Shawn Thomas Anderson, 43, and another officer were investigating a rape allegation at 11 p.m. when Anderson was shot inside Classic Cuts hair salon after struggling with someone, The Advocate reported.

Anderson was rushed to the hospital, where he was pronounced dead.

“It’s a tragic night for the East Baton Rouge Sheriff’s Office," said Casey Hicks, the public information director for the East Baton Rouge Sheriff's Department. "...We’re focused on working with the family, praying with the family, and making sure that our deputies have the help and support they need."

The Louisiana State Police were set to conduct an investigation into the deputy's death.

“I think we are a very praying community and I think that thoughts and prayers are needed here and we come together just like we always do and always have," Baton Rouge Police Chief Carl Dabadie said. "There’s no doubt we won’t here, also."

A U.S. Army veteran, Anderson joined the force in May 1999. While serving with SWAT in 2014, he was recognized after serving 60 high-risk warrants with no shots fired, The Advocate reported. In 2009 he received an award for helping to coax off a bridge a woman who had threatened to jump.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.