LACOMBE - Authorities say a man was shot and killed after pointing a gun at deputies Wednesday night in St. Tammany Parish.

According to the St. Tammany Parish Sheriff's Office, around 9 .m. deputies were trying to serve a protective custody order at a home on Fish Hatchery Road near Oak Cove in Lacombe when the shooting happened.

Captain Scott Lee said the family called the St. Tammany Parish Coroner's Office for an order of protective custody for their son because they were worried he would harm himself and others.

Authorities say the order would allow law enforcement to take someone into protective custody, by force if necessary, to the nearest emergency room to be checked out. 

Three deputies arrived at the home to serve the order. Inside they were confronted by a man armed with a gun. Authorities said the deputies tried to take the man into custody with a Taser, but it was ineffective.

"The man then raised his firearm, pointing it at and threatening deputies. They responded by discharging their duty weapons, fatally striking the subject," the department said. 

Authorities have not released the name or age of the man killed. The case is still under investigation.

"While it is extremely unfortunate that a life was lost, this particular incident is certainly a reminder of the dangers our deputies face on the daily basis. Fortunately, none of our deputies were injured," Sheriff Randy Smith said.