Alexandria, LA (5/29/24) – A tense standoff that began at approximately 2:45 PM this afternoon in the 2800 block of Masonic Drive concluded peacefully nearly four hours later.
Alexandria Police Department reported that around 7:00 PM, they successfully apprehended an adult suspect who had barricaded himself in a home near the South Circle area.
The incident started when the suspect, who had a history of mental illness, confronted Louisiana Probation and Parole officers earlier in the day, brandishing a firearm. The confrontation prompted a response from law enforcement, who surrounded the house and initiated negotiations. For nearly three hours, officers engaged in dialogue with the suspect, employing negotiation and non-lethal tactics of what appeared to be numerous rounds of tear gas to defuse the situation.
The standoff necessitated the closure of the South Circle to ensure the safety of both residents and the high volume of motorists in the area. The situation was resolved without any loss of life or shots fired.
The Alexandria Police Department extended its gratitude to several agencies for their support, including the Alexandria City Marshall, Louisiana State Police, Alexandria Fire Department, Rapides Parish Sheriff’s Office, Acadian Ambulance, and the Rapides Parish District Attorney’s Office.
The investigation into the incident is ongoing. Authorities urge anyone with information regarding this or any other crime in the Alexandria area to contact the Alexandria Police Detective Division at (318) 441-6416 or APD Dispatch at (318) 441-6559. Information can also be emailed to [email protected].
For those seeking a cash reward for tips, Crime Stoppers of CenLa can be reached at (318) 443-7867. The Crime Stoppers P3 Tipster App is also available for downloading at www.p3tips.com/community/mobile, allowing for anonymous tip submission and tracking.
This article aims to inform the community of the recent events and emphasizes the importance of transparency and community involvement in maintaining safety.
