Quick actions from deputies save trooper's life

WBRSO deputies drove up and one of them shot at the suspect through the windshield of his... — WBRSO deputies drove up and one of them shot at the suspect through the windshield of his squad car.

There are four distinct bullet holes in the windshield of the deputy's unit where he fired at... — There are four distinct bullet holes in the windshield of the deputy's unit where he fired at the suspect.

PORT ALLEN, LA (WAFB) - A Louisiana trooper is expected to fully recover after getting shot during a traffic stop early Wednesday morning. The suspect was shot by two responding sheriff's deputies.

Investigators said the bullet grazed Trooper Kevin Biddy's head. His injuries are not considered life-threatening. Biddy was treated and released from an area hospital.

Authorities said William Belniak, 20, of Burlington, Connecticut, was pulled over on LA 1 near Avenue G in Port Allen, right off I-10, around 2:30 a.m.

They added the two "scuffled" when the trooper tried to arrest Belniak on suspicion of DWI. During the fight, the trooper called for backup over the radio before the suspect got away from him and grabbed a gun from the car.

Biddy was able to catch up to him and they fought some more. Investigators said as they were struggling over the gun, Belniak fired a shot, which grazed the trooper's head. The trooper then fell to the ground.

Deputies from the West Baton Rouge Parish Sheriff's Office arrived on the scene just as this happened and shot the suspect. Officials said he was hit in the side.

According to Col. Mike Edmonson, superintendent of Louisiana State Police, the deputies drove up to find the suspect standing over the trooper with a gun pointed at him.

"These deputies were here within a matter of minutes," Edmonson said. "They were able to discharge their weapons, looks like at least four to six times, striking the suspect at least twice."

Sheriff Mike Cazes said two of his deputies were involved in the shooting. He said one deputy jumped out of the car and fired at the suspect, while the driver put the car in park and actually shot at the suspect through the windshield of his own squad car. Cazes said he spoke with the deputies and they told him they just reacted to the situation.

Belniak was taken to an area hospital and is listed in serious condition. Edmonson added one of the bullets may have hit his spine. He is charged with attempted first-degree murder of a police officer, resisting arrest and DWI.

A woman inside the car was identified as Samanda Hayes, 42, of Baton Rouge. She was taken into custody for questioning. It is unknown if she will face any charges in this incident. The shooting remains under investigation.

"This gentleman is out of Connecticut, 20-years-old, had a few arrests up there. Still not figuring out what might have caused him to get into a fight with the trooper. The girl who was in the car with him has an extensive arrest record. We'll figure that out also," Edmonson explained.

State police said the partnerships with other law enforcement agencies are invaluable. They said there is a system in place where different departments can talk to one another over the radio and that cooperation allowed the deputies to respond so quickly.

"When he called for help, when he called that his life was in danger, troopers and West Baton Rouge deputies immediately responded," said Lt. Doug Cain with Louisiana State Police. "It's very clear now those deputies saved this trooper's life."

"In law enforcement, we're the good guys and the bad guys are out there," Sheriff Mike Cazes added. "And, if we're not all one big family, that's what happens. Something goes bad."

Edmonson jokingly gave Biddy an unusual complement when he visited him in the hospital.

"I told him he's got a hard head," Edmonson said.

Officials closed LA 1 in both directions as they continued to collect evidence.

All lanes were reopened around 7 a.m.