On March 13, 2025, at approximately 11:45 AM, the West Monroe Police Department received an emergency call regarding a female individual who had climbed over the guardrail on the Louisville Bridge. Upon arrival, responding officers observed the female jump from the bridge into the rapidly moving Ouachita River.
As the female drifted south with the current, officers maintained visual contact while she repeatedly stated that she wished to die and did not want to be rescued. Personnel from the West Monroe Police Department, Monroe Police Department, and the Tensas Basin Levee District Police responded promptly to assist with the rescue efforts.
Captain Justin Cromwell of the Tensas Basin Levee District and Detective McGregor Townsend of WMPD, who were off duty and dining nearby, responded quickly and proceeded to Campbell’s Landing Marina. Together, they located a paddleboard at the boat dock at 1 Natchitoches Street, near the River Place Condos.
Demonstrating courage and swift decision-making, Captain Cromwell and Detective Townsend entered the water with the paddleboard and swam toward the individual. Despite the victims continued resistance and expressions of not wanting to be saved, she eventually grabbed onto the paddleboard. The officers guided her safely back to shore at Campbell’s Landing, where additional officers assisted in removing her from the water.
Thanks to the selfless actions and teamwork of Captain Cromwell, Detective Townsend, and all assisting officers, the female was rescued without further incident. Their brave and decisive efforts undoubtedly prevented a tragic outcome and reflect the highest standards of service and dedication.
About the Levee District
The Tensas Basin Levee District was created by an Act of the Legislature in 1884 and is the oldest levee district in the state. The district includes all or part of eight parishes: Caldwell, Catahoula, Franklin, LaSalle, Morehouse, Ouachita, Richland and West Carroll.
The Governing Board consists of eleven commissioners, one in each parish, an additional at-large member and two additional commissioners in Ouachita Parish.
Tensas Basin Levee District personnel operate and maintain flood control facilities, to include levees, pump stations and major drainage channels.
