Alexandria, LA (9/29/2024) – Shots fired on Lancaster Drive Friday night led to the swift capture of suspects near MacArthur Village, but the Alexandria Police Department’s (APD) claim of “no threat to public safety” has sparked widespread public backlash. The incident, involving gunfire between two vehicles, left one juvenile with non-life-threatening injuries. Despite police efforts to reassure the community, residents are questioning the narrative and expressing frustration with both the Chief Chad Gremillion and Mayor Jacques Roy.
According to APD, officers quickly apprehended the suspects near the Texas Roadhouse restaurant, and no bystanders were at risk. However, eyewitnesses who were present during the shooting have voiced strong disagreement. “I was sitting outside when the shots rang out, and I could smell the gunpowder,” one resident said. “How can they say there’s no threat to public safety? This happened in a neighborhood where kids play!”
Residents also recalled the tragic death of 12-year-old Hope Alexandria Coleman, killed by a stray bullet while inside her home, as a grim reminder of the ongoing safety crisis in Alexandria. “They said Hope would be safe in her own home, and now they say there’s no threat after gunshots in the street? Mayor Roy and the police chief can’t keep telling us everything’s fine when it clearly isn’t,” one commenter remarked.
The handling of the incident has sparked direct criticism of Mayor Jacques Roy, with many calling for greater transparency. “Mayor Roy must think we’re all gullible,” another resident said. “How can a shooting in a residential area not be a threat to public safety? The city is not safe, and all we get are excuses and no action.”
Residents are Increasingly Frustrated
In the wake of the shooting, residents are increasingly frustrated with both the mayor and the chief, accusing city leadership of failing to address the escalating violence in Alexandria. “The mayor and the police department have lost the public’s trust. People are scared to live in their own neighborhoods, and that’s unacceptable,” another citizen stated.
APD Chief Chad Gremillion praised the quick response of his officers, thanking the Louisiana State Police and Rapides Parish Sheriff’s Office for their assistance in the swift apprehension of the suspects. “We are grateful for the rapid coordination between agencies, which allowed us to bring the situation under control,” Gremillion said.
However, these reassurances have done little to ease public concern regarding the shots fired on Lancaster Drive. As investigations continue, many residents are demanding more from city officials, particularly Mayor Roy, who has yet to directly address the public’s criticism.
The Alexandria Police Department is urging anyone with information about the incident to contact the Alexandria Police Detective Division at (318) 441-6416 or email [email protected].
Anonymous tips can also be submitted to Crime Stoppers of CenLa at (318) 443-7867 or via the Crime Stoppers P3 Tipster App, where claim numbers for cash rewards can be obtained at www.p3tips.com/community/mobile.
With safety concerns mounting and trust in city leadership eroding, Alexandria residents continue to call for more transparency and decisive action to address the ongoing violence in their community.
Related Article: Shots Fired in Frank O. Hunter Park: No Updates from City Officials After 36 Hours
Comment Sources: UrbanCast, KALB, and APD Facebook Pages
