Ruston, LA – On Thursday, September 4, 2025, at approximately 11:50 p.m., the Ruston Police Department responded to a reported shooting at the USA Travel Plaza convenience store, located at 2500 West Alabama Avenue. Upon arrival, officers discovered a deceased individual identified as 35-year-old Ontario Spivey of Ruston. The scene was immediately secured, and investigators began collecting evidence to determine the circumstances surrounding the fatal incident.

Through video surveillance, police were able to identify the suspect and the suspect’s vehicle. Assistance from a Grambling City Police officer on the scene helped confirm the suspect as 31-year-old Virgil Mack Jr. of Dubach, Louisiana. Authorities quickly issued a “Be on the Lookout” (BOLO) alert to surrounding law enforcement agencies.

Using newly implemented license plate reader technology, officers tracked Mack Jr.’s escape route. The suspect vehicle was last seen traveling westbound on Interstate 20. Louisiana State Police Troops F and G were notified immediately, and a State Trooper attempted a traffic stop. Mack Jr. refused to comply, prompting a multi-state pursuit.

The chase continued into Texas, culminating in a vehicle crash in Marshall, Texas. Following the crash, Mack Jr. was taken into custody along with two other occupants, 37-year-old Kourtney Douglass of Ruston and 20-year-old Kobe Mack of Dubach. No further details regarding the additional occupants’ involvement have been released.

Ruston Police Chief Eric Watson praised the rapid and coordinated response, stating, “This is the kind of outcome the public should expect when agencies are able to work together. I would like to thank all the agencies that were involved in the swift apprehension of Virgil Mack Jr. Those include Grambling Police, Louisiana Tech University Police Department, Louisiana State Police Troops F and G, Shreveport Police Department, Marshall, TX Police Department, Harrison County Marshall Texas Sheriff’s Office, and Texas Department of Public Safety.”

Authorities have emphasized that the investigation remains ongoing. Police continue to process evidence from the scene and are urging anyone with additional information to come forward. Further updates are expected as the case develops.

The Ruston community has expressed shock and grief over the tragic loss of Ontario Spivey, whose life was cut short in the violent incident. Local leaders and law enforcement agencies are continuing their efforts to ensure justice and enhance safety across the region.