VIDALIA — The alleged gunman believed to have shot a Concordia Parish Sheriff’s Office Deputy in Vidalia on Thursday afternoon was found dead of a gunshot wound inside a unit at the River Manor Apartments, 4208 Carter St., when U.S. Marshals entered the apartment, an eyewitness at the scene said.

Law enforcement authorities had surrounded the apartment building since approximately 12:30 p.m. Thursday after Concordia Parish Sheriff’s Deputy Walter J. Mackel was reportedly shot.

“We are asking the community to please keep our Brother Officer Walter J Mackel, his wife Pamala Michelle Mackel and their children in your prayers,” the Concordia Parish Sheriff’s Office posted on social media at approximately 4 p.m. Thursday. “He has been transported to UMC and we are receiving positive updates from officers of the Pearl MS. Police Department, who are standing watch at this time.

“We will update you on his status as it is reported.

After the shooting, the shooter locked himself in the apartment after a woman and children exited the unit, the eyewitness said, and the suspect remained locked inside until U.S. Marshals arrived and threw teargas into the apartment before entering and finding the suspect dead of the gunshot wound at approximately 4 p.m. Thursday.

Law enforcement authorities from Vidalia, Ferriday, Concordia Parish, Natchez and Adams County joined in the effort.

Approximately 2 p.m. Thursday the Concordia Parish Sheriff’s Office made the following post on social media.

“The Concordia Parish Sheriff’s Department in conjunction with Adam’s County Sheriffs, Natchez PD, Vidalia PD and Ferriday PD are currently working a standoff at Rivers Meadow Apartments in Vidalia, La. The situation has been contained to one apartment in the complex.

“We are asking that traffic through this area be limited and alternate routes be taken until further notice.

“We will update you as information becomes available.

The Natchez Democrat will update the story as information is available.