ALEXANDRIA, La. (UrbanCast: 10/13/2026) — An Alexandria transit driver and two passengers endured a frightening ordeal Tuesday afternoon. A Natchitoches man allegedly threatened them and forced their city-operated van to travel to Monroe against their will.
According to the Alexandria Police Department (APD), the incident began around 1:10 p.m. when 52-year-old Danny L. Slaughter boarded an ATRANS transit van.
The vehicle was carrying a city employee and two passengers when Slaughter allegedly threatened the occupants and forced the driver toward Monroe.
Individuals close to the situation told UrbanCast that Slaughter boarded the vehicle with a gun. However, APD’s official statement did not mention a firearm, and UrbanCast has not independently verified that detail.
The threats and forced diversion described by police amount to an apparent hijacking of a publicly operated transit vehicle.
As the situation unfolded, ATRANS officials notified Alexandria police. APD coordinated with other law enforcement agencies to locate the vehicle.
Upon reaching Monroe, the driver and one passenger managed to exit safely. However, the second passenger remained inside the van.
A short distance later, Monroe Police Department officers located and stopped the vehicle. Officers detained Slaughter while the remaining passenger was still aboard.
APD confirmed that all three victims were safe and sustained no reported physical injuries. Authorities were arranging their transportation back to Alexandria.
Public Safety Notification Raises Serious Questions
Beyond the immediate danger to the three occupants, the incident raises questions about public safety notifications during the emergency.
Earlier Tuesday, UrbanCast received reports from passengers that the Elliott/Cabrini route failed to return to the terminal for its 1 p.m. and 2 p.m. runs.
ATRANS subsequently announced that the Elliott/Cabrini route would suspend service beginning at 3 p.m. until further notice.
However, that announcement did not mention a hijacking, threats against a driver, or any potential public safety concerns.
APD released its account of the incident at 6:23 p.m. Tuesday.
The timeline raises an important question: When did City officials first learn that a transit vehicle had been hijacked, and what information did they provide to the public while the incident unfolded?
A hijacked public transit vehicle carrying passengers presents a serious safety concern, particularly when authorities are attempting to locate it.
Timely public notification can help residents understand potential threats and take appropriate precautions.
It remains unclear whether Alexandria officials issued an earlier public safety alert or when authorities determined the immediate danger had ended.
Additionally, officials have not confirmed whether the Elliott/Cabrini service suspension was directly connected to the hijacking.
Investigation Continues
APD and the Monroe Police Department continue investigating the incident.
Although APD announced Slaughter’s arrest, the department did not identify the criminal charges in its initial release.
Authorities also have not confirmed whether investigators recovered a firearm.
Anyone with information can contact the Alexandria Police Detective Division at (318) 441-6416 or APD Dispatch at (318) 441-6559.
Information can also be emailed to APDDetectives@cityofalex.com.
Sources: Alexandria Police Department, October 13, 2026; ATRANS service announcement; information provided to UrbanCast by individuals close to the situation.
City of Alexandria Approved APD Release: https://alexandrialapolice.org/natchitoches-man-arrested-after-forcing-city-van-driver-to-monroe/
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