PINEVILLE, La. — The Gage Michael Kittinger arrest followed a three-hour SWAT response in Pineville tied to a domestic violence investigation.
On February 20, 2026, Special Victims Unit detectives with the Rapides Parish Sheriff’s Office obtained an arrest warrant for Kittinger. Detectives connected him to an alleged domestic violence incident.
During the investigation, deputies learned Kittinger was staying at a residence near the victim’s home. Investigators said he made several threats toward the victim, law enforcement, and himself.
Because of the seriousness of the threats, authorities sought a search warrant. The sheriff’s office also activated the RPSO SWAT Team to assist. Officials cited safety concerns for everyone involved.
On Sunday, February 22, 2026, at about 5:30 p.m., SWAT responded to the 1300 block of Vallery Lane in Pineville. Deputies moved to execute both the search and arrest warrants.
SWAT members and negotiators implemented a coordinated response. They used communication strategies and less-lethal resources to manage the situation. Over nearly three hours, negotiators worked to de-escalate the incident.
As a result, Kittinger and an adult female exited the home peacefully. Deputies took both into custody without further incident.
However, authorities discovered Kittinger had injuries from a motorcycle accident earlier that weekend. He received treatment at a local hospital before booking.
On February 24, 2026, deputies booked him into the Rapides Parish Detention Center. He faced one count of domestic abuse battery by strangulation, resisting an officer, and probation violation.
As the investigation continued, SVU detectives established additional probable cause. They secured more warrants for one count of domestic abuse battery by strangulation and one count of false imprisonment.
Authorities later re-arrested and re-booked Kittinger on those additional charges.
Kittinger, 27, of 96 Cedar Lane in Pineville, remains in jail. He is being held on a $151,000 bond.
Charges now include two counts of domestic abuse battery by strangulation, false imprisonment, resisting an officer, and probation violation.
Sheriff Mark Wood praised the response by deputies. “The successful resolution of this situation reflects the professionalism, restraint, and commitment to public safety demonstrated by our SWAT Team, Negotiators and Patrol Deputies,” Wood said.
SVU detectives say the investigation remains active and ongoing. The Rapides Parish Sheriff’s Office stated it remains committed to protecting victims of domestic violence and ensuring community safety.
All persons are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law or administrative action.
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