Alexandria, Louisiana - Two former Alexandria Police Department officers were arrested on criminal charges following a months-long investigation into multiple use-of-force incidents, Louisiana State Police announced.
Austin Butler and Dylan Tritle, both former APD officers, were taken into custody on October 2, 2025, on charges of malfeasance in office. Butler faces an additional charge of simple battery. The arrests concluded an investigation that began in July when the Alexandria Police Department requested assistance from the Louisiana State Police Criminal Investigations Division – Alexandria Field Office.
According to reports from the investigation, both officers committed acts that exceeded the scope of their official duties during their time with the department. Malfeasance in office is a felony charge in Louisiana that applies when public officials intentionally refuse to perform required duties or perform unauthorized acts during their official capacity.
Both defendants were processed at the Rapides Parish Sheriff's Office Detention Center following their arrests. Louisiana State Police will serve as the lead investigative agency throughout the prosecution process.
The case will be forwarded to the Rapides Parish District Attorney's Office for review and potential prosecution. District attorneys typically review evidence packages from law enforcement agencies before deciding whether to formally file charges in court.
The Louisiana State Police Criminal Investigations Division handles complex cases throughout the state, including officer-involved incidents, public corruption cases, and other sensitive investigations that require specialized expertise.
Authorities are seeking any additional information from the public regarding this case. Anyone with relevant information can contact the Louisiana State Police Criminal Investigations Division – Alexandria Field Office at (318) 487-5245.
Anonymous tips can be submitted through the Louisiana State Police online reporting system at lsp.org by clicking on "Report Suspicious or Criminal Activity." The LSP Fusion Center Hotline at 1-800-434-8007 also accepts anonymous reports related to ongoing investigations.
All persons are presumed innocent until proven guilty.