A 36-year-old Louisiana sheriff's deputy was directing traffic near a school zone this morning when he was ambushed and shot three times in what has been described as a road rage incident sparked by an argument over traffic. St. Charles Parish Sheriff Greg Champagne says Cpl. Burt Hazeltine was directing school buses on US 90 near Louisiana Street in the town of Paradis, just west of New Orleans, when he was gunned down. A male suspect, later identified as former Transportation Safety Administration worker 56-year-old Paul Devillier, was arrested a short time later after a brief 'tussle' with officers. Scroll down for video . Paul Devillier (left), 56, is accused of opening fire on Cpl. Burt Hazeltine (right) as he was directing traffic in a school zone in suburban New Orleans . Hero cop: Hazeltine, 36, with St Charles Parish (pictured here with his wife and four children), was shot three times in the face, elbow and eye Thursday morning . Bloody crime scene: The ambush took place on US 90 near Louisiana Street in the town of Paradis, just west of New Orleans. A deputy is seen swabbing what appears to be blood from the door of Hazeltine's squad car . Champagne says at around 9.15am, the shooter pulled up to a convenience store , got out of his 2014 Chevy Silverado pickup and opened fire on Hazeltine, who was hit in the face, elbow and eye. One of the bullets reportedly penetrated his lung. Another bullet lodged behind his eye, and the 36-year-old law enforcement officer may be at risk of losing his sight. Hazeltine is believed to have returned fire, but it was unclear whether Paul Devillier was wounded. Champagne says Hazeltine was in stable but guarded condition at Interim LSU Hospital Thursday afternoon. Two nearby schools, R.J. Vial Elementary and J.B. Martin Middle School, were briefly placed on lockdown after the shooting. Devillier had two weapons on him at the time of his arrest. Police say he does not have a criminal record but they suspect he suffers from mental health issues. Road rage: Devillier allegedly got into a verbal spat with Hazeltine because the deputy refused to stop traffic and allow his 2014 chevy Silverado (pictured) to make a turn . Worried for their comrade: Authorities walk outside LSU Interim Hospital, where Hazeltine was listed in guarded but stable condition . Burt Hazeltine was alert as he was being transported to the hospital, and according to Sheriff Champagne, he even cracked a joke in the ambulance about his ordeal, reported NOLA.com. Despite his severe injuries, the sheriff said a nurse attending to Hazeltine told him he 'got lucky.' During a press conference Thursday afternoon, Sheriff Champagne revealed that before the shooting, Devillier got into a verbal spat with Hazeltine because the deputy refused to stop traffic and allow him to make a left turn onto Louisiana Avenue, reported Fox 8. According to officials, Devillier then went to his father's home and called the sheriff's office, claiming to be an NCIS agent and demanding to speak to Sheriff Champagne. He then drove back to the Time Saver convenience store and called over Cpl Hazeltine, who was still directing traffic. When the deputy approached Devillier’s truck, he spotted a gun on the dashboard, pulled his service weapon and demanded the drive show his hands. Survivor: Hazeltine, pictured left with his wife, Mandy, was in stable but guarded condition at Interim LSU Hospital. There is a concern he may go blind in one eye . Happy family: Hazeltine and his wife have been married for nearly 14 years and have two sons and two daughters together (pictured) Career officer: The 36-year-old has been on the force for about 15 years, most recently serving in the traffic division . That is when investigators say the 56-year-old opened fire on Hazeltine. Little is known about the suspect at this time, but sheriff's officials said he was fired from TSA in 2013 and got a divorce that same year. Burt Hazeltine has been on the force about 15 years, serving in the traffic division. The deputy and his wife of nearly 14 years, Mandy, have two sons and two daughters. Those who know the couple described them to The Advocate as devout Christians who are very active in their community.
Cpl. Burt Hazeltine, 36, with St Charles Parish, was shot three times in face, elbow and eye .
Man in his 50s opened fire on deputy as he was directing school buses in New Orleans suburb of Paradis .
Hazeltine, married father of four, is in stable but guarded condition; he is at risk of losing his injured eye .
Paul Devillier, 56, was arrested after a tussle with police; officials believe he has mental issues .
Sheriff Champagne says Devillier became upset with Hazeltine after deputy refused to stop traffic to let him make a turn .
Suspect, a former TSA agent, called sheriff's office and pretended to by NCIS agent before the shooting .