Shreveport, La. – At 3:04 a.m. on Friday, Centenary College of Louisiana activated its emergency notification system after an unknown individual forced entry into Hardin Hall, a residence hall on the campus. The college’s Department of Public Safety (DPS) and the Shreveport Police Department (SPD) arrived on scene within three minutes and began an immediate investigation.
College officials emphasize student safety
President Christopher Holoman released a statement stressing that student safety remains the top priority. “We are providing support to the students involved and to all our students following this unsettling incident,” Holoman said. He added that crimes of this nature are extremely rare on the Centenary campus and that security footage is being reviewed to determine how the intruder accessed the locked building. Holoman expressed gratitude that no one was injured and praised the rapid response of the college’s public‑safety team.
Details of the suspect and ongoing search
Authorities described the suspect as a Black male, approximately 5 feet 6 inches tall, with clean‑cut hair. He was last seen wearing a red t‑shirt, khaki pants, and flip‑flops. Initial emergency alerts indicated the individual was heading east on Rutherford Street, but police radio transmissions later clarified that it has not been confirmed whether he left campus grounds.
A K‑9 unit was deployed to assist in the search, and investigators are reviewing surveillance video from the dorm and surrounding areas. The suspect has not been located, and the investigation remains ongoing.
How the community can help
Centenary DPS is asking anyone with information about the incident to contact the department at 318‑207‑0007 or to reach out to the Shreveport Police Department. Community members are encouraged to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity.
Context for local residents
While break‑ins on college campuses are uncommon, this incident underscores the importance of robust campus safety measures and rapid emergency communication. The collaboration between Centenary’s DPS and the Shreveport Police Department demonstrates a coordinated approach to protecting students and maintaining a secure learning environment.
Centenary College continues to operate normally, and students are being offered counseling and support services as needed. The college’s emergency notification system, which reached students, faculty, and staff within minutes, is a key tool in ensuring timely alerts for any future incidents.
Original reporting: KTBS 3 (Shreveport) — read the source article.
