The Avoyelles Communication Center received a 911 call reporting a shooting in progress on Tuesday, April 14, at approximately 2:19am. Responding APSO deputies, along with assisting officers from the Marksville Police Department and the Tunica Biloxi Police Department, were quickly dispatched to the 700 block of Gum Ridge Road in Marksville.
Upon arrival, Law Enforcement Officers secured the scene for medical personnel and rendered aid to a female victim who sustained multiple gunshot wounds. Acadian Ambulance arrived on the scene and later transported the victim to a local hospital for treatment.
The APSO Criminal Investigations Unit was assigned to the scene to investigate the incident. Through their efforts and the coordination of patrol personnel and assisting agencies, the suspect – identified as Justin James Thomas (Black/Male, DOB: 06/07/2006) – was located at a residence on Alvin Ford Lane in Marksville. After a short time of negotiations with the suspect, the suspect surrendered himself to deputies and was taken into custody without further incident.
Mr. Thomas was booked into APSO DC-1 on the following felony charges:
- (Attempt) Second Degree Murder
- Aggravated Second Degree Battery (Domestic)
- Illegal Use of Weapons or Dangerous Instrumentalities
- Possession of Firearm or Carrying Concealed Weapon by a Person Convicted of Certain Felonies
His bond has been set at $350,000. Louisiana Probation and Parole was notified.
Sheriff David L. Dauzat thanked partnering agencies and deputies who work daily as a team in keeping the parish safe.