Alexandria, Louisiana — A routine Wednesday afternoon in Alexandria was shattered when a fatal officer-involved shooting unfolded on Chester Street near Rapides Avenue, prompting a full-scale investigation by the Louisiana State Police Bureau of Investigations (LSP BOI).
The Shooting
Officials say the incident began around 1:00 p.m., when Alexandria Police Department officers responded to a situation in the area. Details remain scarce, but during the encounter, an officer discharged their weapon, striking one individual.
The person was later pronounced dead at the scene. Authorities have not released the identity of the deceased, pending family notification.
Police confirmed that no officers were injured.
Immediate Response
As required by protocol, the Alexandria Police Department requested Louisiana State Police to take over the investigation to ensure impartiality. Detectives with the Bureau of Investigations – Criminal Investigations Division responded quickly, cordoning off Chester Street while crime scene technicians processed evidence and interviewed witnesses.
“This remains an active and ongoing investigation,” said Master Trooper Casey Wallace, public affairs officer for LSP Troop E. “Detectives are working to gather all facts, evidence, and witness accounts to determine the circumstances that led to this shooting.”
Community Concern
The shooting drew a large crowd of bystanders and residents, many of whom expressed concern about the lack of immediate details.
“It’s frightening when something like this happens right outside your home,” said one Chester Street resident. “We want to know why lethal force was used and if it could have been avoided.”
Community leaders and activists are already calling for transparency, urging state police to release information — and eventually, body-worn camera footage — to maintain public trust.
Standard Procedure in Louisiana
Under Louisiana law, it is standard practice for the State Police to investigate any officer-involved shooting in order to provide an independent review. The findings are typically turned over to the local district attorney’s office to determine whether further legal action is warranted.
In recent years, officer-involved shootings in the state have come under heightened scrutiny, with civil rights groups pressing for quicker disclosure of video evidence and investigative findings.
Appeal for Information
The Louisiana State Police are actively seeking the public’s help. Witnesses, along with anyone who may have photos or video of the incident, are encouraged to come forward.
Information can be submitted anonymously through the Louisiana State Police online reporting system at lsp.org by selecting “Report Suspicious or Criminal Activity,” or by calling the LSP Fusion Center Hotline at 1-800-434-8007.
Contact Information
For official inquiries, the State Police have designated:
Master Trooper Casey Wallace
Public Affairs Section – Troop E
Office: (318) 447-9459
Email: casey.wallace@la.gov
Looking Ahead
As the investigation continues, questions remain about what led officers to open fire and whether other non-lethal options were considered. The community of Alexandria, already grappling with broader concerns over public safety, now awaits answers that investigators say may take weeks to compile.
For now, Chester Street has reopened, but the shooting scene serves as a stark reminder of the tensions and dangers surrounding police encounters. The Louisiana State Police have promised to release updates as more information becomes available.
Leave a Reply