Alexandria Police Officers Killed in the Line of Duty
Officer Benjamin Barfield Aymond
**Officer Aymond was shot and killed on November 11, 1904, while trying to arrest Tom Underwood at 8th and Arial Street. Underwood was arrested on November 23, 1904, in Lake Charles, LA. On December 24, 1904, Underwood is found guilty of Murder and is hanged in Alexandria on February 25, 1905.
Officer Joseph D. James
**On December 4, 1908, Officer James and Officer Joe Baio went to a Lower 3rd residence to arrest a murder suspect. Upon their arrival Officer Baio was assigned to go into the house and Officer James went around back. The suspect tried to hide and Officer Baio shot and hit Officer James.
Officer G.M. Lanius
On August 2, 1909, Officer Lanius had arrested a drunk at the ‘Valley House Bar’ at 10th and Park. The prisoner, as was the custom, was walking in front of Officer Lanius who was on his horse. The prisoner pulled a pistol, shot and killed Officer Lanius.
Officer Jackie T. Thiels
Officer Thiels was killed in an automobile accident on March 8, 1971. His unit was struck by a log truck which had failed to stop for a red light at Foisy and Fulton. Officer Thiels was killed instantly.
Pfc. David C. Ezernack
Patrolman First Class David Ezernack and Patrolman Jeremy Carruth were shot and killed on February 20, 2003, while attempting to arrest a suspect during an SRT operation in the 2300 block of Wise Street. The suspect was wanted for ambushing an officer the previous day in which he fired several shots from an automatic weapon into the officer’s patrol car. The suspect opened fire as the SRT officers attempted to arrest him, fatally wounding Patrolman Carruth and PFC Ezernack and wounding three other officers The suspect was also killed in return gunfire. PFC Ezernack had been a member of the Alexandria Police Department for almost four years. He is survived by his parents, Former Alexandria Police Chief, Charles David Ezernack and Millie Ezernack and three sisters.
Patrolman Jeremy E. "Jay" Carruth
Patrolman Jeremy Carruth and Patrolman First Class David Ezernack were shot and killed on February 20, 2003, while attempting to arrest a suspect during an SRT operation in the 2300 block of Wise Street. The suspect was wanted for ambushing an officer the previous day in which he fired several shots from an automatic weapon into the officer’s patrol car. The suspect opened fire as the SRT officers attempted to arrest him, fatally wounding Patrolman Carruth and PFC Ezernack and wounding three other officers. The suspect was also killed in return gunfire. Patrolman Carruth had been a member of the Alexandria Police Department for almost three years, and also served in the 239th Military Police Company, Louisiana National Guard. He is survived by his two young daughters, three sisters, and his parents.
Pfc. Brian Coleman
On February 21, 2007, PFC Brian Coleman succumbed to injuries sustained in an automobile accident 7 hours earlier while responding to assist another officer who was involved in a foot pursuit. During the response, PFC Coleman’s patrol car struck a bridge guard rail on Lee Street. He was transported to St. Frances Cabrini Hospital, where he succumbed to his injuries early the following morning. PFC Coleman had served with the Alexandria Police Department for 7 years. He is survived by his two sons, stepson, mother, and three brothers.
