Officials at Grambling State University arrested a Monroe man last Monday for attempted murder and numerous weapons charges but have released no information on the case.
Elijah T. Powell, 18, was arrested about 9:40 p.m. Sept. 22. He was booked at the Lincoln Parish Detention Center on warrants charging him with attempted second degree murder, aggravated assault with a firearm, possession of a firearm by convicted felon, possession of a firearm in a firearm-free zone (school property), possession of a stolen firearm, and resisting an officer. He is also being held for probation violation.
Powell remains in the detention center with bail set at $672,500.
Attempts to obtain information on the incident from GSU Police, the GSU Communications Office, and the University President’s Office have been unsuccessful.
A representative in the President’s Office provided the following statement: “As this remains an active investigation, and due to the seriousness of the charges, we are limited in what details we can share at this time. We remain committed to maintaining a safe and secure environment for our students, faculty, and staff. Should a formal statement be issued, it will be shared through the University’s official communications channels.”
In most arrests, an affidavit is completed describing essential facts of the case when suspects are booked into the Lincoln Parish Detention Center. A judge later reads the affidavit to ensure probable cause exists. However, when arrest warrants are obtained as in this case, the affidavit is not completed because a judge has already heard the details and determined probable cause for the arrest when the warrant is issued.
University officials sent out a GramAlert message through the school’s emergency notification system last Monday evening notifying recipients gunshots had been fired near the school’s track. The report said GSU Police had responded and taken a suspect into custody.
The Lincoln Parish Journal could not determine if Powell is a GSU student or whether any injuries occurred.
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