ALEXANDRIA, La. — A Deputy U.S. Marshal was shot and killed Monday afternoon while serving an arrest warrant on a fugitive in Alexandria, authorities said.
The incident occurred around 3 p.m. in the Rutland Road area as members of the U.S. Marshals Violent Offender Task Force, along with Rapides Parish Sheriff’s Office detectives, attempted to apprehend the wanted individual. An officer-involved shooting followed, leaving the deputy dead.
The suspect was taken into custody after a standoff that lasted approximately three hours. The suspect sustained injuries during the confrontation and was transported to a local hospital. No other officers were reported injured.
The Operation
Rapides Parish Sheriff’s Office officials described the event as a law enforcement operation targeting a fugitive in a south Alexandria neighborhood near the intersection of Rutland Road and Moor Road. The U.S. Marshals Service confirmed the deputy was part of efforts to serve an active arrest warrant.
Local agencies including the Alexandria Police Department and Louisiana State Police responded to the scene. Video from the area showed a heavy law enforcement presence as officers established a perimeter.
The U.S. Marshals Service issued a statement confirming the death of the deputy from the Western District of Louisiana. The agency noted the suspect is now in custody.
Investigation Underway
The FBI is leading the investigation into the killing of the federal officer, describing it as an assault on a federal officer. The Rapides Parish Sheriff’s Office is investigating the shooting itself.
“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. “Because this is a very active and ongoing investigation, we cannot comment further at this time.”
Authorities have not released the name of the slain deputy pending notification of family. One report identified the deputy as 37-year-old Marshal Hill, a U.S. Army veteran who had served with the Marshals Service for 11 years.
Fugitive Operations
Fugitive task forces like the one involved routinely locate and arrest individuals with outstanding warrants, often those considered violent offenders. Such operations carry inherent risks, as targets are frequently aware they are being sought.
The U.S. Marshals Service did not immediately release further details about the specific warrant or the suspect’s criminal history.
Louisiana State Police and other agencies expressed condolences. “We honor their dedication and sacrifice,” one statement read.
Residents near Rutland Road and Horseshoe Drive expressed shock at the violence in their neighborhood. Neighbors told reporters they recognized the suspect, who lives only a few houses from the shooting scene.
The community remains on edge as law enforcement continues its work. Officials have urged residents to avoid the immediate area while the investigation proceeds.
