Ruston, LA – The Ruston community is reeling after a fatal shooting at the USA Travel Plaza convenience store on Thursday, September 4, 2025. At 11:50 p.m., Ruston Police officers were dispatched to the 2500 West Alabama Avenue location following reports of gunfire. Upon arrival, officers discovered the body of 35-year-old Ontario Spivey, a Ruston resident, who was pronounced dead at the scene.
Investigators immediately secured the area and began processing evidence, including reviewing video surveillance footage, which helped identify both the suspect and the suspect’s vehicle. Assistance from Grambling City Police proved crucial, as an officer at the scene helped confirm the identity of 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 to apprehend Mack Jr.
Utilizing recently implemented license plate reader technology, officers were able to track the suspect’s escape route. The vehicle was detected traveling westbound on Interstate 20. Louisiana State Police Troops F and G were immediately notified, and a State Trooper attempted a traffic stop. Mack Jr. refused to comply, initiating a high-speed pursuit that extended into neighboring Texas.
The chase concluded in Marshall, Texas, where Mack Jr.’s vehicle crashed. He was taken into custody along with two other occupants: 37-year-old Kourtney Douglass of Ruston and 20-year-old Kobe Mack of Dubach. Authorities have not confirmed any charges for Douglass and Kobe Mack at this time, as the investigation remains ongoing.
Ruston Police Chief Eric Watson commended the swift, 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, Texas Police Department, Harrison County Marshall Texas Sheriff’s Office, and the Texas Department of Public Safety.”
The Ruston Police Department continues to investigate the circumstances surrounding Spivey’s death, seeking to determine a motive and gather all pertinent evidence. Authorities urge anyone with information about the incident to come forward to assist with the ongoing investigation.
This tragic event has sent shockwaves through the local community, highlighting the importance of inter-agency cooperation in rapidly addressing violent crime. Residents are reminded to remain vigilant while law enforcement works to bring clarity and justice in this case. Further updates will be provided as more information becomes available.