Department Scrambles After Two Louisiana Officers Fired For Excessive Force On Black Men And Young Girl

Two police officers from Alexandria, Louisiana, labeled as “bad apples” by their chief, have been arrested for malfeasance in office. This follows allegations of excessive force and violations of citizens' constitutional rights across three separate encounters captured on body cameras in July. Officers Austin Butler, 38, and Dylan Tritle, 32, were put on administrative leave after an internal review was initiated on July 29. During a press conference on August 20, Police Chief Chad Gremillion and Mayor Jacques Roy expressed their outrage, revealing the violent confrontations that occurred within a single day, starting July 27.The incidents included excessive force against individuals in vulnerable situations, including a Black man leaving a motel and a young Black patron at a local bar, who was violently subdued despite having committed no crime. Mayor Roy emphasized that such policing undermines community trust in law enforcement, leading to broader societal issues. The Louisiana State Police later conducted an independent investigation, resulting in arrests for both officers on October 2.