Deputy U.S. Marshal Killed Serving Arrest Warrant in Alexandria, Louisiana
Article excerpt
A Deputy U.S. Marshal was shot and killed Monday while serving an arrest warrant on a fugitive in Alexandria, Louisiana, marking another death in the line of duty for the federal agency responsible for tracking down the country's most wanted. The suspect was taken into custody following the shooting. Few details about the circumstances have been released publicly, but the U.S. Marshals Service confirmed the death. Serving arrest warrants is among the most dangerous routine tasks federal law enforcement officers perform, requiring agents to approach individuals who are often already evading the justice system and who may be armed and desperate to avoid capture. The Marshals Service loses officers in the line of duty rarely, which makes each fatality a significant moment for the agency. The identity of the fallen deputy had not been publicly released as of initial reports.
A Deputy U.S. Marshal was shot and killed on Monday while serving an arrest warrant in Alexandria, Louisiana, according to the U.S. Marshals Service.
The Rapides Parish Sheriff's Office said the incident happened at around 3 p.m. in the Rutland Road area, where authorities were attempting to arrest a wanted fugitive.
"Sheriff’s Detectives, along with members of the U.S. Marshals Violent Offender Task Force, were conducting a law enforcement operation in the Rutland Road area to arrest a wanted fugitive where an Officer Involved Shooting occurred," the sheriff's office said.
SUSPECT ALLEGEDLY GUNS DOWN DEPUTY IN AMBUSH DURING ROUTINE CALL THAT ROCKED QUIET TOWN, POLICE SAY
The suspect was taken into custody after a lengthy standoff, according to the sheriff's office.
Deputies said the suspect sustained injuries during the encounter and was transported to a local hospital for treatment.
NYPD OFFICER SHOT, GUNMAN KILLED AFTER ARMED BARRICADED STANDOFF IN BROOKLYN: POLICE
The FBI is leading an investigation into the killing of the deputy, while the sheriff's office is probing the shooting. Louisiana State Police are also assisting.
"The FBI responded to an incident this afternoon in Alexandria with the Alexandria Police Department, Rapides Parish Sheriff's Office, and Louisiana State Police," the FBI New Orleans Field Office said in a statement. "The FBI is now leading the investigation into an assault on a federal officer. Louisiana State Police is also investigating potential violations of state law. The subject, now under investigation, was taken into custody and there is no ongoing threat to the public. Because this is a very active and ongoing investigation we cannot comment further at this time."
FBI Director Kash Patel said: "FBI is investigating and offering full resources to the Rapides Parish Sheriff’s Office and our brave partners the @USMarshalsHQ after one of their deputies was tragically killed today while serving an arrest warrant in Alexandria, Louisiana. Suspect is in custody. Please pray for the deputy’s family and friends."