On June 21, 2023, at 06:00 AM, the Alexandria Police Department responded to a report of a stolen vehicle in the 2400 block of Midway Drive. The vehicle was described as a 2007 GMC Sierra, brown in color.
On June 21, 2023, at 07:45 PM, Alexandria Police Department dispatch received a call from the owner of the stolen vehicle stating they were following the vehicle on Masonic Drive. Dispatch relayed the vehicle’s location to patrol units in the area who quickly located the stolen vehicle.
Patrol Officers observed the 2007 GMC Sierra turn northbound onto Texas Avenue and accelerate to a high rate of speed. The responding patrol units pursued the stolen vehicle and observed multiple traffic violations, including running two red lights and driving at a high speed.
The driver of the stolen vehicle ultimately lost control, left the roadway, and struck a telephone pole at Texas Avenue and Levin Street. The driver, 19-year-old Deshawn West of Alexandria, LA, was arrested and charged with Possession of Stolen Things, Negligent Injuring, Cruelty to Juveniles, Aggravated Flight from an Officer, Child Restraints, and D/L Required.
Two juvenile passengers in the stolen vehicle, a 17-year-old from Alexandria, LA, and a 16-year-old from Alexandria, LA, were also arrested and charged with Possession of Stolen Things.
A 19-year-old female passenger suffered moderate injuries and was transported to a local hospital. A 3-year-old passenger suffered superficial injuries and was also transported to a local hospital.
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: APD-Detectives@cityofalex.com.
