Deputies: Woman held at gunpoint as she called for help

Published 12:01 am Wednesday, April 25, 2018

RIDGECREST — A Ridgecrest woman called 911 Tuesday to plead for help while a man pointed a pistol at her.

The incident ended without injury after the woman escaped and deputies eventually found the suspect inside the residence, Concordia Parish Sheriff’s Office Chief Deputy David Hedrick said.

The incident occurred on Ferriday Drive after the resident called 911, all while the 34-year-old Atkins pointed his pistol at her, Hedrick said.

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After deputies responded quickly to the scene, the alleged victim fled to her neighbor’s house and Atkins fled the scene, Hedrick said.

Later, however, deputies discovered a flip-flop on the ground near an open window at the back of the residence, Hedrick said. From the loose shoe, deputies surmised that the suspect had reentered the residence through the window.

With Atkins having allegedly barricaded himself within the residence, deputies and narcotics officers entered the building and found Atkins, who was hiding in  a back room of the residence, Hedrick said.

Deputies placed him under arrest and transported him to the Concordia Parish Jail, where he was charged with entry and remaining after forbidden, though additional charges are likely to come, Hedrick said. Atkins also had a warrant out for his arrest on a charge of second-degree battery.

The relationship between Atkins and the alleged victim was not immediately clear, Hedrick said. The woman held at gunpoint, he said, was doing fine and was back at home following the incident.

As of Tuesday evening, Atkins remained at the parish jail without bond pending arraignment

Hedrick said he was proud of the way law enforcement handled this case.

“I would just like to commend the Concordia Parish Sheriff’s Office’s brave deputies that put themselves in harm’s way for the safety of a citizen there in Ridgecrest,” Hedrick said.

He also commended Vidalia police officer Chad Fuqua, who was part of the group handling the incident, as well as Vidalia Police Chief Joey Merrill for allowing Fuqua to work the scene.