Natchitoches, LA (March 10, 2024) — In the early hours of March 7, 2024, at approximately 12:17 a.m., the Natchitoches Police Department (NPD) responded to a call for assistance from the Northwestern State University Police Department (NUPD) regarding a vehicle pursuit originating on the university campus.
Officers from both the Natchitoches Police Department and the University Police Department engaged in pursuit of the vehicle westbound on University Parkway after it fled the campus premises. The pursuit spanned a distance of three miles, ultimately concluding on the southbound on-ramp to I-49. Throughout the chase, the driver of the fleeing vehicle collided with three Natchitoches Police Department patrol cars, resulting in moderate damage.
As law enforcement attempted to communicate with the driver to prompt an exit from the vehicle, a single gunshot resonated from within the car. Upon approaching the vehicle, officers discovered the driver, identified as Georgia Stenson, a 51-year-old female from Shreveport, with a self-inflicted gunshot wound to the head.
Despite immediate medical attention, Stenson succumbed to her injuries and was pronounced deceased at the scene by the Natchitoches Parish Coroner’s Office.
The incident remains under investigation by authorities. Anyone with pertinent information or who may have witnessed suspicious activity related to this event is urged to contact the Natchitoches Police Department at (318) 352-8101. All information provided will be treated with the utmost confidentiality.
For those preferring to report tips anonymously, Natchitoches Crime Stoppers offers multiple avenues for communication. Tips can be submitted via the P3 Tips app on smartphones or by calling Natchitoches Crime Stoppers at (318) 238-2388.
Anonymous tipsters may be eligible to receive a cash reward of up to $3,000 for information leading to the arrest of offenders.
The Natchitoches Police Department and the Northwestern State University Police Department continue to collaborate to ensure the safety and security of the community.
Source: NPD
