ALEXANDRIA, La. (6/6/2026) — A man arrested this week in connection with a shooting and armed robbery investigation had already been wanted on multiple attempted murder charges stemming from a separate shooting investigation more than two months earlier, raising questions about why the public was never notified that he remained at large.
According to the Alexandria Police Department, officers responded to the 3800 block of 3rd Street at approximately 1:05 a.m. on June 3 after receiving reports of a shooting. One person suffered non-life-threatening injuries and was transported to a local hospital.
While officers were investigating that incident, police received another call from the same area regarding an armed robbery in which a scooter was allegedly taken from a victim.
A short time later, officers located and arrested 24-year-old Jarod Bell in the 3600 block of Lee Street. Bell was charged with attempted second-degree murder and armed robbery in connection with the June 3 incidents.
However, APD’s news release also revealed something the public had not previously been told.
Already Wanted on an Outstanding Warrant
According to the department, Bell was already wanted on an outstanding warrant charging him with two counts of attempted second-degree murder and domestic abuse battery aggravated assault. Those charges stem from a March 27, 2026 shooting investigation in the 400 block of Daspit Street.
No injuries were reported in the March incident.
A review of APD’s publicly available news releases found no prior announcement regarding Bell being wanted in connection with the March shooting investigation. UrbanCast was also unable to locate any public request for assistance, wanted notice, or Crime Stoppers bulletin seeking information on Bell’s whereabouts.
The June 3 release appears to be the first time the public was informed that Bell was wanted on the attempted murder charges.
The department’s release does not indicate when the warrant was issued, how long Bell had been wanted, or whether any public notification was ever considered.
The revelation raises questions about how information regarding wanted violent crime suspects is communicated to the public.
All Media Inquiries
Records previously obtained by UrbanCast show that media inquiries and public relations for the City of Alexandria are coordinated through the office of Deputy Chief Administrative Officer Michael Caffery. In a July 2024 email to UrbanCast, a city representative stated that Caffery coordinated “all media inquiries and public relations for the City of Alexandria” and directed requests for information through his office.
At this time, it remains unclear whether any decision was made to withhold public notification regarding Bell’s outstanding warrant or who would have had final authority over such a decision.
For residents, the central question remains straightforward: if a suspect was wanted in connection with two counts of attempted second-degree murder stemming from a March shooting investigation, why was the public not informed before his arrest following another shooting investigation on June 3?
UrbanCast has reached out for clarification regarding when the warrant was issued, whether any public notice was distributed, and the city’s policies regarding the release of information involving wanted violent crime suspects.
The investigation remains ongoing.
Previous Article: Alexandria Police make arrest in Queens Court shooting
