On the evening of August 24, 2023, Iberia Parish Sheriff’s Office deputies responded to a call on Leona Street in Lydia. A man was reportedly threatening a neighbor with a gun. Despite several attempts, officers could not establish contact with the suspect who refused to open the door. It was later revealed that there was an outstanding warrant for him from Lafourche Parish for aggravated assault with a firearm.
The situation escalated when the suspect’s mother contacted the police, reporting that her son was holding a woman and their two children, aged 4 and 6, hostage inside the house. The Iberia Parish Sheriff’s Office SWAT team was dispatched to handle the situation.
Assisted by New Iberia and Lafayette Police Department SWAT teams, they entered the residence and apprehended the suspect. Identified as Alex Anthony Picou, 25-year-old man, he was taken into custody after receiving treatment at a hospital for self-inflicted injuries. He is set to face charges of aggravated assault with a firearm and child endangerment/domestic abuse battery simple assault. Additional charges may be filed as this remains an active investigation.