The Baton Rouge Police Department has identified two officers who were aboard a BRPD helicopter that crashed early Sunday morning near Port Allen as Sgt. David Poirrier and Cpl. Scotty Canezaro.
Both were members of the Air Support Unit. Poirrier, 47, was a 17-year veteran of the department. Canezaro, 38, was a 16-year BRPD veteran.
A preliminary report from the FAA says the helicopter they were aboard struck a tree while assisting in a vehicle pursuit.
"Flags have been lowered to half-staff to honor the life and legacy of both officers at Baton Rouge Police Department’s Headquarters, located at 9000 Airline Highway. The public is asked to continue to lift the families and loved ones of our fallen officers up in prayer during this very difficult time," said a BRPD Facebook post. "Additional details, such as service arrangements, will be shared as they become available."