Police arrest man accused of kidnapping woman outside Target and raping her
HAMMOND, La. (WVUE/Gray News) - Louisiana authorities say they have arrested an 18-year-old man wanted in connection with a kidnapping and rape case.
According to the Tangipahoa Parish Sheriff’s Office, Donnie Lee Stevenson followed a woman inside a Target store Thursday before kidnapping her and sexually assaulting her.
Authorities alerted the public to be on the lookout for Stevenson following the reported assault.
Law enforcement agencies ended up spotting the 18-year-old Friday morning after a witness recognized him from a police bulletin and alerted deputies.
When law enforcement arrived, Stevenson ran into a wooded area, sparking a massive manhunt.
“We are not going home until we catch him,” Hammond Police Chief Edwin Bergeron said. “He has been pinned down in the woods. We are confident we will catch him.”
Police used helicopters, drones and K-9 units to eventually track him down and take him into custody.
The Hammond Police Department confirmed his arrest, sharing an image of Stevenson being held by officers.
Authorities said the victim did not know Stevenson, who authorities said was armed. Investigators believe he followed the woman and selected her at random.
“We believe he was stalking other women in the store before ultimately choosing his victim,” Bergeron said.
The woman sought medical attention after the assault. Her current condition has not been disclosed.
Stevenson has one prior adult charge for illegal possession of stolen property in January. Juvenile records, if any, are not being released.
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