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Shreveport police report overall drop in major crimes but note recent pedestrian fatalities along I‑20
Summary
Police reported year‑to‑date declines in felonies, vehicle thefts and shootings compared with last year, while raising concern about a recent cluster of pedestrian fatalities on interstate corridors and outlining steps including checkpoints, PSAs and coordination with DOTD.
The Shreveport Police Department presented year‑to‑date crime statistics showing declines in major categories compared with the previous year and detailed enforcement plans to reduce roadway fatalities.
The Police Chief reported year‑to‑date figures of 101 felonies (down from 114), 234 vehicle thefts (down from 318) and 53 shootings so far in 2025 (down from 66 in 2024). Year‑to‑date homicides were 10 with seven cleared, the chief said, and shots‑fired calls fell to 490 from 709 the prior year.
Why it matters: Council members pressed the chief about an increase in pedestrian fatalities on I‑20 and other highways. The chief cited multiple contributing factors — speed, lighting, poor decisions and several points where neighborhoods are divided by the interstate — and said the department plans checkpoint enforcement (including DWI and seat‑belt checkpoints), speed‑trailer deployments and public‑service announcements.
The police briefing noted response times below national averages for Priority 1, 2 and 3 calls and listed planned actions: two vehicle checkpoints and DWI checks scheduled for March 25–26 and outreach with the state Department of Transportation (DOTD) on lighting and secure fencing. The chief also requested cooperation from the new public safety director and local media for PSAs.
Council members suggested coordinating traffic studies, expanding lighting programs and promoting SporTran’s free‑ride program to discourage risky crossings. The department also said it can use ATVs to inspect fence lines along I‑20 where pedestrians have been accessing the interstate.
No ordinance vote followed the report; council scheduled a public safety meeting the next day to continue discussion and directed staff to pursue DOTD coordination and community outreach.
