A deeply disturbing incident in Hammond has left the community in shock after a father was fatally shot outside a school, allegedly by his own teenage son. What began as a routine school drop-off quickly turned into a tragic and unimaginable event that continues to weigh heavily on residents.
According to the Tangipahoa Parish Coroner’s Office, the victim has been identified as 45-year-old Damien Combs. Authorities say the shooting occurred on April 14 outside the Tangipahoa Alternative Programs campus on Crystal Street, a location that is now marked by grief and unanswered questions.
Investigators report that the situation began when the 13-year-old refused to exit the vehicle during the drop-off. Combs then decided to leave the campus area and take the child home. As the vehicle pulled away from the carpool line, authorities allege the teenager shot his father inside the car, setting off a chain of devastating events.
The gunfire caused the vehicle to accelerate across the roadway and crash into a nearby home. Emergency responders rushed to the scene and transported Combs to a hospital, where he fought for his life for several days before ultimately succumbing to his injuries. Thankfully, no one inside the home that was struck was injured.
Authorities say the teenager exited the vehicle after the crash while still holding a firearm and began walking toward the school. A school resource officer quickly intervened, stopping the teen before he could reach the campus and potentially preventing further harm. The swift response is being credited with helping contain an already tragic situation.
As the investigation continues, the community is left grappling with the emotional weight of the incident. The loss of Damien Combs, combined with the circumstances surrounding his death, has left many struggling to process the tragedy. In the days ahead, officials will continue working to uncover answers, while the Hammond community mourns a life lost under heartbreaking and complex circumstances.