Louisiana murder suspects caught in East Texas

MARSHALL – Three Louisiana men were arrested in East Texas after a fatal shooting sparked a multi-state chase in the early morning hours of Friday, according to a report from our news partner KETK.

In a report from the Ruston, Louisiana Police Department, around 11:50 p.m. on Thursday, officers responded to the USA Travel Plaza convenience store at 2500 West Alabama Avenue, where a fatal shooting had happened. The deceased victim was identified as 35-year-old Ontario Spivey of Ruston. Officials said they identified the suspect, 31-year-old Virgil Mack Jr. of Dubach, Louisiana, and his vehicle through video surveillance. Soon after, a “be on the lookout” alert was issued to surrounding law enforcement agencies.

“Using recently implemented license plate reader technology, officers were able to determine Mack Jr.’s escape route,” the department said. “The suspect vehicle was detected traveling westbound on Interstate 20, and Louisiana State Police Troops F and G were notified. A State Trooper with Troop G attempted a traffic stop, but the suspect fled, initiating a pursuit.”

The chase continued into East Texas, where Mack Jr. eventually wrecked his vehicle in Marshall and was arrested for murder. Two passengers were also taken into custody. 37-year-old Kourtney Douglass of Ruston was arrested for evading arrest with a vehicle, and 22-year-old Kobe Mack of Dubach was arrested for murder.

“This is the kind of outcome the public should expect when agencies are able to work together,” Ruston Police Chief Eric Watson said. “I would like to thank all the agencies that were involved in the swift apprehension of Mack Jr. Those include Grambling Police, Louisiana Tech University Police Department, Louisiana State Police Troops F and G, Shreveport Police Department, Marshall Police Department, Harrison County Sheriff’s Office, and Texas Department of Public Safety .”