A Louisiana resident faces murder charges after allegedly killing a deputy U.S. marshal during an arrest warrant service. Federal officials disclosed this development on Tuesday.
Incident Details
Officers attempted to serve an arrest warrant related to a past sexual battery charge. Clarence A. Frazier Jr., 48, from Alexandria, reportedly barricaded himself inside his home. He then opened fire, as stated by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Western District of Louisiana.
Frazier is being charged with the murder of a federal officer. If convicted, he could face life imprisonment or the death penalty.
Victim Information
The slain deputy U.S. marshal was identified as Drew Hanson. Authorities described Hanson as a committed husband, father, and son.
“Tragically, the defendant’s alleged actions claimed the life of a dedicated law enforcement officer who was simply doing his duty,” Acting U.S. Attorney General Todd Blanche stated. “The alleged perpetrator is now in custody and will be held accountable to the fullest extent of the law.”
The Confrontation
The event occurred on July 13. Members of the U.S. Marshals Service and Rapides Parish Sheriff’s Office found Frazier at his home. They obtained a search warrant for the location.
Frazier had previously failed to appear in state court to face a trial regarding a sexual battery charge on a person with infirmities. Upon announcing their presence, law enforcement entered the home. Frazier was in the bedroom, where he started shooting, hitting Hanson. A prolonged standoff followed before Frazier’s capture.
Deputy Hanson later succumbed to his injuries from the gunfire exchange.