Alexandria, LA, for release (4/16/26)
On April 16, 2026, at approximately 10:30 a.m., the Alexandria Police Department responded to the 1800 block of Harvard Street in reference to a domestic-related incident.
Through the course of the investigation, officers learned that a boyfriend, later identified as 30-year-old Austin Byrd, committed a battery and stole a blue Honda Accord.
While en route to the call, officers observed the suspected stolen vehicle and initiated a pursuit. The pursuit traveled through Alexandria onto Interstate 49 and continued until officers successfully deployed spike strips near the intersection of Airbase Road and Louisiana Highway 1.
Austin Byrd was taken into custody without further incident. No injuries were reported during the course of the pursuit.
Byrd has been charged with Domestic Abuse Battery, Child Endangerment, Carjacking, and Aggravated Flight, in addition to multiple outstanding warrants.
The Alexandria Police Department would like to thank the Louisiana State Police and the Rapides Parish Sheriff’s Office for their assistance in bringing this incident to a safe conclusion.
This is currently an ongoing investigation.
If anyone has any information about this incident or any other type of crime in the Alexandria area, please contact the Alexandria Police Detective Division at the phone number (318) 441-6416, or APD Dispatch (318) 441-6559. You may also email information to detectives at: APDDetectives@cityofalex.com.
For a cash reward, call Crime Stoppers of CenLa at (318) 443-7867. The Crime Stoppers P3 Tipster App can also be downloaded to leave tips and get a claim number for a cash reward at www.p3tips.com/community/mobile.
