Alexandria police report peaceful Easter weekend, no major incidents

ALEXANDRIA, La. (WNTZ)— The Alexandria Police Department (APD) reported no significant violent incidents during the 2025 Easter weekend, marking a notable milestone in the city’s efforts to curb crime.

According to APD officials, the weekend—from Friday through midnight Sunday—passed without any major acts of violence, including serious batteries or shootings. This marks a significant improvement compared to prior Easter weekends, which have historically seen an uptick in violence in Alexandria and across the nation.

“This peaceful weekend reflects the effectiveness of APD’s proactive approach to policing,” said Police Chief Chad Gremillion. “Thanks to the hard work and dedication of our officers, along with increasing buy-in from the community, we are seeing real, positive momentum.”

Gremillion credited the absence of violence to intelligence-led, or hotspot, policing strategies that deploy officers to areas of elevated risk. The enhanced presence of law enforcement over the weekend was a deliberate tactic, city officials confirmed.

Mayor Jacques Roy, who made public safety a top priority in his 100-Day Plan, applauded the department’s progress. Since his administration began just over two years ago, Roy has advocated for a data-driven approach to policing and invested heavily in APD’s leadership team, including Chief Gremillion, Commissioner Patrick VanDyke, and Deputy Chiefs Darrell Bradley and Chris Cooper.

“Public safety is not just a priority—it’s a fundamental right of our residents,” said Roy. “We are supporting our officers with unprecedented investment in training, equipment, and mental health resources. And they are returning that investment with commitment to the task and strong adherence to aggressive constitutional policing.”

The city’s broader strategy includes community engagement efforts such as SafeAlex and the introduction of Community Service Officers. These programs serve as force multipliers for APD by increasing community interaction and improving response capabilities.

The results appear promising. According to city data, Alexandria recorded nine homicides by this time in 2023. That number dropped to six in 2024 and is currently at three in 2025.

“We are seeing the results of coordination, commitment, and community partnerships,” Roy said.

The Alexandria Police Department reiterated its commitment to continued collaboration with residents, local organizations, and city leadership to build a safer community.

Anyone with information about criminal activity is encouraged to contact the Alexandria Police Detective Division at (318) 441-6416 or APD Dispatch at (318) 441-6559. Tips may also be submitted via email to APDDetectives@cityofalex.com.

For anonymous tips and the possibility of a cash reward, contact Crime Stoppers of CenLa at (318) 443-7867 or submit a tip through the P3 Tipster App, available at www.p3tips.com/community/mobile.