Pineville Domestic Shooting Suspect Arrested. The Pineville Police Department announced the arrest of Zakara Engleton on a charge of attempted second-degree murder in connection with a July 30 shooting in the 100 block of Prairie Street. Officers who responded to the scene found a man suffering from a gunshot wound. Investigators determined the incident stemmed from a domestic dispute and was not a random act of violence. Engleton had fled the scene before officers arrived and was subsequently taken into custody.

ASH Students Begin School Year Friday — Virtually. Alexandria Senior High School students will begin the 2026-2027 school year Friday, August 7, with virtual instruction following the unintentional release of asbestos fibers during ongoing summer construction on campus. The Rapides Parish School Board has been working with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and the Louisiana Department of Environmental Quality on remediation. No firm return date for in-person instruction has been announced, and the district will provide updates each Friday afternoon. Students who need a device may pick up Chromebooks at the ASH ROTC building beginning Friday from noon to 3 p.m.

Pineville Man Dies in Motorcycle Crash on England Drive. Louisiana State Police Troop E reported the death of Ernie Garcia, 44, of Pineville following a fatal crash on Louisiana Highway 498 (England Drive) at Powell Lane late Friday night. Troopers responded around 11 p.m. The crash remains under investigation by LSP.

First Day of School — Friday, August 7. All Rapides Parish schools — with the exception of Alexandria Senior High — will welcome students for the first day of the 2026-2027 school year this Friday. Teacher professional development continues through Thursday.