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On Sunday, a Washington Parish Sheriff’s Office patrol deputy responded to a report of a female in distress at a parish residence, according to WPSO Chief Criminal Deputy Mike Haley.

When he arrived at the scene, the deputy encountered a young woman who had knocked on the door of the residence while calling out for help, Haley said. She alleged she had been raped and then thrown out of a vehicle by her assailant. The homeowner called the WPSO for assistance.

In talking with the young woman, 28, she alleged to the deputy that she had walked to a convenience store on Columbia Street in Bogalusa about 2 a.m. that morning, Haley said.

“She said an unknown black male picked her up and drove her into the parish near the intersection of Highway 450 and North Martin Road,” Haley said. “She stated he pointed a pistol at her and raped her twice. Then, she stated, he opened the vehicle door and forcefully pushed her out into the roadway while he drove. She did not know her attacker, but recalled that he drove a black four-door vehicle with front end damage.”

The victim, who reportedly had visible injuries, was evaluated by Northshore EMS and then transported to Riverside Medical Center. The WPSO detective division was notified and has assumed the investigation.

Any person who might have knowledge of this incident is asked to call Detective Demmie Rice at 985-661-2021. Callers may remain anonymous.

“Help us solve this crime,” Washington Parish Sheriff Randy Seal said. “If you have any information whatsoever, please call Det. Rice. It is very important we locate this man and solve this crime before it happens to someone else. Let’s work together to help make Washington Parish safe.”