The manhunt near Chopin in south Natchitoches Parish for Blake Joseph Dauzat ended this morning, Dec. 5, at 4 am according to the Natchitoches Parish Sheriff’s Office.

After several hours of negotiations by Natchitoches SWAT Crisis Negotiators, Dauzat suffered an apparent self-inflcted gunshot wound to the head.

Dauzat was transported from the scene to Rapides Regional Medical Center Trauma Center in Alexandria were he was pronounced dead at 6:45 am this morning according to Natchitoches Parish Coroner Steven Clanton.

The body is being transported to Shreveport for an autopsy to determine the exact cause of death.

Natchitoches Parish Sheriff’s Deputies responded to a reported disturbance in the 300 block of G.R. Bardwell Road near Chopin on Tuesday evening at 6:55 pm.

Shortly thereafter, NPSO Communications received an additional 911 call reporting a shooting at the residence.

The victim reportedly suffering from gunshot wounds to the upper hip area crawled to his vehicle and was able to leave the scene with his wife for help.

The victim was transported from the scene by Natchitoches Regional Medical Center EMS to Rapides Regional Medical Center where he was listed in stable condition last night.

Detectives processed the crime scene, gathered evidence, interviewed the victim and witnesses last night.

Deputies learned after they arrived on scene, the shooter identified as Blake Joseph Dauzat had fled into the woods or into a residence.

NPSO Criminal Investigators, Natchitoches SWAT, Louisiana State Police, and Louisiana State Police Air Support all responded to assist in the manhunt.

Sheriff Jones said, “This is a very unfortunate incident. We feel for the Dauzat family at this time, and extend our thoughts and prayers to them.”

No law enforcement officers were injured.

No further details are being released at this time.