Alexandria, Louisiana

From Alexandria’s TheTownTalk.com of February 13, 2006

Store clerk kills suspected robber

An Alexandria man was shot and killed on Sunday during what is believed to have been a failed holdup attempt, Alexandria Police Lt. Mike Rennier said.

Walter Louis Walker, 39, of 1244 Huffman St., was shot in the head at least two times by a clerk when he attempted to rob Tobacco Hut No. 2, located at 2350 Overton St., Rennier said.

According to police records, the clerk told police that Walker approached the counter at 12:07 p.m. and demanded money while holding his hands in his pockets.

Rennier said the clerk then shot Walker and called police to the scene. Walker was pronounced dead at the scene, according to police reports.

Police found no weapon on Walker, Rennier said.

"The clerk said he thought Mr. Walker had a gun in his pocket," Rennier said. "Officers were dispatched to the store and found the individual deceased. It looks like a case of an armed robbery gone bad."

Rennier said the initial investigation had turned up particular motive for the robbery attempt.

The clerk's identity was being withheld Sunday because of investigation concerns, Rennier said.

Rennier said an initial investigation indicates the shooting was an act of self-defense.

The police report refers to the clerk as the victim in the incident.

According to police records, there were no other people in the store at the time of the shooting and no potential witnesses had emerged.

No further details were available late Sunday, Rennier said. The shooting remained under investigation.