Alexandria, LA (7/1/2024) – A major law enforcement operation unfolded at the McDonald’s located in the 500 block of North MacArthur Drive in Alexandria around 5 p.m. on Sunday, June 30, 2024. Eyewitnesses reported seeing approximately 15 units, primarily from the Alexandria Police Department (APD) and Louisiana State Troopers, with guns drawn and trained on a grey SUV in the drive-thru lane. A K-9 unit was also present at the scene.
Witnesses described the dramatic scene, noting that officers had their guns aimed at the grey SUV on the northwest side of the restaurant. The driver of the SUV was taken into custody by authorities, according to onlookers. Additionally, at least two McDonald’s employees were questioned by police, and the grey vehicle was subsequently towed by a local towing company.
Several restaurant patrons recounted the frightening experience, emphasizing the distress caused by having loaded guns pointed in their direction while they and their families were present.
The community eagerly awaited an update from the authorities to alleviate some of the stress and anxiety resulting from this incident, especially given the recent increase in violent crime in the area.
Twenty-four hours after the incident at McDonald’s, APD was given permission by the Alexandria Mayor’s Office to release a press release:
APD Press Release:
“On Sunday, June 30, 2024, at approximately 5:36 PM, the Alexandria Police Department arrested 21-year-old Robert Drakes III of Alexandria, LA, in the 500 block of MacArthur Drive.”
While the details of the arrest remain limited, sources have confirmed that Drakes is suspected in the murder of Ty’rez “K6” Gold, 20, of Alexandria. The investigation is ongoing, and the APD is seeking further information from the public.
If anyone has any information about this incident or any other type of crime in the Alexandria area, please contact the Alexandria Police Detective Division at (318) 441-6416, or APD Dispatch at (318) 441-6559. You may also email information to detectives at APDDetectives@cityofalex.com. For a cash reward, call Crime Stoppers of CenLa at (318) 443-7867. The Crime Stoppers P3 Tipster App can also be downloaded to leave tips and get a claim number for a cash reward at www.p3tips.com/community/mobile.
This story is developing, and more information will be provided if it becomes available.
