SPD officers responded to a call on Christmas Eve at approximately 10:51am in regards to an armed person at 3401 Mertis Ave. Shreveport Police Communications informed officers that the suspect had reportedly pointed a firearm at the victim before entering the residence.

Additionally, the suspect was described as waving what the victim identified as “a large gun” while walking outside the apartment at approximately 10:53am. At approximately 10:57am, Shreveport Police Communications advised that the suspect was on foot, headed northbound on Exposition Street. Upon arrival at the 3300 block of Exposition Street, officers observed a Black male matching the provided description walking northbound. Officers exited their marked patrol unit and successfully took the suspect into custody.

The suspect, identified as Joshua Kentrell Ashley, was found to be in possession of a black handgun with an extended magazine and a tan flashlight, which was located on the ground in front of him. Further investigation revealed that Ashley was also in possession of a significant quantity of narcotics.

Ashley was arrested and faces multiple charges including Aggravated Assault with a Firearm, Illegal Carrying of a Weapon, and Distribution of Narcotics.