The incident reportedly took place late last month at a home in a small town near Lake Pontchartrain. Investigators allege that during a domestic dispute, the suspect bit off a portion of the woman’s face. Authorities say the injury occurred as the woman was attempting to escape the home.
According to sources, the situation did not begin on the day of the attack. Investigators reportedly learned that the dispute started several days earlier. During that time, the woman was allegedly held against her will inside the shared residence.
After the woman escaped and contacted authorities, deputies began searching for the suspect, who reportedly fled the area. Officials asked the public for help locating him, and they described him as dangerous. Sources reported that law enforcement released identifying details, including information about tattoos and other physical characteristics, to avoid confusion with his identical twin.
Authorities also alleged that the suspect may have been relying on others for transportation and warned the public to use caution. Days later, the man reportedly surrendered at a local sheriff’s substation without incident.
The exact nature of the relationship between the suspect and the woman was not immediately clear, though sources say they were living together at the time of the incident. The woman was hospitalized for treatment following the attack.
Authorities later confirmed that she has since been released from the hospital and is continuing her recovery in a safe location.
The suspect, who was still in custody at the time this was written, is facing preliminary charges of one count of domestic abuse battery with serious bodily injury and one count of false imprisonment. Additional charges may be added as the investigation continues.
If you or someone you love is suspected of a domestic violence offense, contact Orange County criminal defense lawyer Staycie R. Sena at (949) 477-8088 for a consultation now.