ST. JOHN - The normally quiet Willow Ridge apartment complex on the 400 block of Northwest Third Street in Reserve was anything but peaceful during the early morning hours of March 15.
“This is very shocking to hear about something like this in this area,” said neighbor Brandon Watkins. “It’s just wrong.”
The St. John Parish Sheriff’s Office says a tenant was walking to her door when she was approached by a man with a gun wearing all black clothes and a black ski mask. She ran into her apartment and tried to lock her door but then another man with a similar description, who also had a gun, appeared.
The two then forced their way in. They robbed her and sexually assaulted her before leaving.
The sheriff’s office says this kind of crime is very rare in Reserve. In fact, neighbor Gloria Wallace has lived in the complex for more than 40 years. She's never heard of anything like this happening before.
“It’s peaceful and it’s quiet. No trouble at all. This is a quiet neighborhood. It (the crime) really don’t make you feel good… not at all,” said Wallace.
According to the apartment complex manager, the victim is ok, just shaken up by the whole experience.
“I really hope they can catch these people. For my safety, my wife’s safety, my daughter’s safety and everybody,” said Watkins.
Anyone with any information encouraged to call the St. John Parish Sheriff’s Office at 985-359-TIPS.