Police in Alexandria believe a December self defense shooting involving a delivery driver and a man who jumped into his truck is tied to a deadly home invasion from November. Investigators say the two incidents may be connected by retaliation, and they are urging anyone with information to come forward.
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ALEXANDRIA, LA (4-minute read) — Alexandria police say a confrontation on Marthas Drive ended when a delivery driver used his firearm to protect himself, and investigators believe it may be part of a larger story that began more than a month earlier.
According to the Alexandria Police Department, officers were called around 4:20 in the afternoon on December 15 to the 5900 block of Marthas Drive. When they arrived, they found thirty one year old Avery Lewis suffering from a gunshot wound. Detectives say Lewis had jumped into a parked delivery truck in a threatening way, causing the driver, identified as Robin Volson, to fear for his safety. Volson fired his firearm during the confrontation and then called the police to report what happened.
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Lewis was described as moderately injured and was taken to a local hospital for treatment. Police have not released additional details about his exact condition, but they did emphasize that this was not a random act on the street. Instead, they believe it is connected to a deadly home invasion that took place weeks earlier.
On November 8, a home on Henry Street was reportedly targeted in a break in that was investigated by the Rapides Parish Sheriff’s Office. During that incident, the resident, again identified as Robin Volson, used a firearm to stop the intruder. The man who entered the home, Devante Thomas, was shot and did not survive. Investigators later learned that Lewis and Thomas knew each other, which raised concerns that the Marthas Drive encounter could have been motivated by revenge.
Police say the working theory is that the December incident may have been driven by retaliation linked to the Henry Street home invasion. At this time, detectives describe the situation as an isolated conflict between the individuals involved rather than an ongoing threat to the broader community. So far, no charges have been filed against Volson in connection with the truck shooting, though the entire case remains under review. Authorities are asking anyone who may have seen either incident or who has information about the relationship between the men to contact the Alexandria Police Department.
Self Defense, Concealed Carry And Responsible Force
For people who carry a firearm, situations like these are a sobering reminder of how quickly an ordinary day can become a life changing event. In most states, including Louisiana, a person may be justified in using deadly force only when they reasonably believe they are in immediate danger of being killed or seriously injured. Even when the facts support self defense, every shot fired will be examined carefully by law enforcement, prosecutors and sometimes a jury.
Responsible concealed carriers train to avoid confrontation whenever possible. That means staying aware of surroundings, keeping doors locked in vehicles and homes, creating distance from suspicious behavior when they safely can and calling law enforcement early rather than waiting for danger to escalate. After any defensive use of a firearm, it is critical to secure the scene as best as possible, avoid tampering with evidence, offer aid if it is safe to do so and contact emergency services right away, just as Volson reportedly did after the Marthas Drive shooting.
Cases involving possible retaliation can become even more complex. Prior incidents, relationships between the people involved and any history of threats can all affect how investigators view a claim of self defense. Citizens who carry would be wise to understand their local laws, maintain regular training and think through how they would communicate clearly with responding officers after an incident.
Safety Tip: If you carry a firearm for self defense, make it a habit to review your state and local use of force laws at least once a year, and combine that knowledge with regular training that focuses on de escalation, safe gun handling and clear communication with law enforcement after any defensive encounter.
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