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Louisiana man arrested after taking woman hostage

On Behalf of | Nov 19, 2012 | Firm News |

A 25-year-old man was arrested in Houma, Louisiana, on aggravated second-degree battery charges for taking a woman hostage. The Houma Police Department was trying to locate the accused, who was wanted on criminal charges of aggravated second-degree battery. With the assistance of the Terrebonne Parish Sheriff’s Office, the Houma Police Department tracked down the accused in a trailer in Grand Caillou.

The police reported that the suspect had conveyed a message to his friend and family that if the law enforcement officers tried to catch him, he would kill them. The police also received information that a woman was being held hostage inside the trailer. The accused was also allegedly in possession of several firearms.

The hostage negotiator of the Terrebonne Parish Sheriff’s Office, Houma Police Department and the Louisiana State Police spoke to the accused over the phone in an attempt to coax him into surrendering. After five hours on the phone, the hostage negotiator managed to convince the accused to surrender. The accused was arrested by the SWAT team of HPD and the TPSO. The police also released the female hostage from the trailer unharmed.

The accused was arrested and charged with aggravated second-degree battery pursuant to the outstanding warrant. The accused was also charged with false imprisonment with a firearm for the hostage situation, and also on another outstanding domestic abuse battery charge.

Louisiana law takes charges of aggravated battery and false imprisonment very seriously. For example, a criminal conviction for battery charges can have long-term consequences. However, those accused of any crime, even those that gather media attention, are entitled to a fair trial and other constitutional protections. Before person is convicted of a crime, the prosecution must prove every element of its case beyond a reasonable doubt. It is essential for defendants to seek immediate consultation with a lawyer who will advocate for the protection of the defendant’s rights.

Source: Fox8, “Houma man arrested after allegedly taking hostages,” Nov. 15, 2012