Alexandria, La. – Law enforcement responded quickly to a deputy-involved shooting Tuesday morning at Peabody Montessori Elementary on Lower Third Street. Officers arrested an Alexandria man in connection with the incident.
At approximately 9:05 a.m., the School Resource Officer (SRO) at Peabody Montessori saw a white vehicle speeding into the school’s parking lot. The deputy tried to stop the vehicle, but the driver accelerated directly toward him. The deputy fired his weapon as the vehicle fled the scene. The driver knocked the officer down, but he avoided serious injury.
School officials immediately placed the campus on lockdown. Authorities confirmed that the incident did not harm any students or staff.
Suspect Identified and Arrested
Alexandria Police Department (APD) officers and RPSO Detectives conducted a joint investigation and identified the suspect as 63-year-old Brian Keith Laroche of Alexandria. Detectives obtained arrest warrants for Laroche, and at approximately 11:45 a.m., APD’s Special Response Team located him at his 14th Street residence and took him into custody without incident.
Laroche was booked into the Rapides Parish Detention Center on the following charges:
- Attempted First Degree Murder of a Police Officer
- Flight from an Officer
- Reckless Operation
- Contempt of Court
The court has not yet set bond for the felony charges of attempted first degree murder of a police officer and flight from an officer.
Investigation Underway
The Central Louisiana Critical Incident Response Team, headed by investigators from the Grant Parish Sheriff’s Office, will lead the deputy-involved shooting investigation.
Sheriff’s officials emphasized that all persons are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law or administrative action.
Call for Information
Authorities continue to ask the public to share any information or video regarding the incident. Anyone with details is urged to contact the Rapides Parish Sheriff’s Office at 318-473-6700, the Alexandria Police Department at 318-441-6442, or Crime Stoppers at 318-443-7867.
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