ALEXANDRIA, La. (12/8/2024) – Deputies are searching for an armed suspect near Lower 3rd and the Red River levee following a pursuit on Sunday morning.
The Rapides Parish Sheriff’s Office (RPSO) responded to a report of a suspicious vehicle on Gene Ball Drive around 7:30 AM.
Upon arrival, deputies identified the suspect as Patrick Heath Cotton, 39, of Pollock. While a deputy checked for warrants, Cotton fled in his vehicle, prompting a pursuit that ended near Lower 3rd. Cotton then exited his vehicle, fled on foot up the levee, and pointed what appeared to be a shotgun at deputies.
Law enforcement, including Alexandria Police Department officers and K-9 units, are actively searching the area for Cotton. He is wanted for an active warrant for motor vehicle theft out of Grant Parish, and additional charges are pending.
Cotton was last seen wearing a bright blue jacket, blue jeans, and white tennis shoes. Deputies warn he is armed with a shotgun and should be considered dangerous.
If anyone has information on this suspect, they are urged to contact the RPSO main office at 318-473-6700. Authorities stress the importance of staying vigilant and avoiding the area until the situation is resolved.
This is a developing story. Stay tuned to UrbanCast for updates as more details become available.
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