Marksville man charged with 5 counts of attempted murder for shooting at police

A Marksville man was arrested Thursday night and charged with five counts of attempted 1st degree murder for firing a shotgun in the direction of police officers who had come to his home in response to his call to 911 that someone was trying to kill him.

Francis W. Ravare, 67, was also charged with illegal possession of a firearm by a convicted felon when he was booked into Avoyelles Detention Center #1 where he is being held under $1.01 million bond.

The Avoyelles Parish Sheriff's Office reported that Ravare allegedly called the 911 Communication Center at about 7:50 p.m.Thursday, reporting that several people were trying to kill him. APSO deputies and Marksville P.D. officers responded to Ravare's home to investigate.

When officers were near the front door, Ravare fired a shotgun from inside the house toward the area where officers were located. One MPD officer returned fire. Another police officer was injured when seeking cover. At last report the officer was doing well.

Shortly after the exchange of gunfire, Ravare was taken into custody. He refused medical aid and objected to being taken to a hospital for medical evaluation.

There were no gunshot wounds during the incident, an APSO spokesman said.

APSO is the lead investigating agency in the case, being assisted by Marksville P.D. The State Police Bureau of Investigations processed the crime scene.