What began as a welfare concern involving a missing Nevada woman ended with a hit-and-run investigation, a high-speed pursuit across North Louisiana, and the arrest of a Reno, Nevada, man now facing multiple felony charges.
Minden Police Chief Jared McIver said officers were dispatched to Love’s Travel Stop on the morning of June 16 after receiving reports of a hit-and-run involving both vehicles and pedestrians.
Witnesses reported that the driver of a white Volkswagen Atlas SUV struck multiple vehicles in the parking lot, ran over one man — breaking his leg — and attempted to hit another person before fleeing the scene. Witnesses also reported the vehicle contained a male driver, a female passenger, and five children.
As officers worked to identify the vehicle and its occupants, investigators developed information through social media that suggested the incident was connected to a missing persons situation.
According to McIver, officers located a social media post made by the female passenger’s father, who had accessed her account to alert friends and family that she had been missing for several days. The father reportedly expressed concern that she was traveling with her ex-husband, whom he described as physically abusive.
“When he left the scene, I started calling ahead to other agencies, because now we’re a partner on the LPR system. We got a hit on the vehicle crossing I-20 headed east in Lincoln Parish. I called Troop F, and they intercepted the vehicle,” McIver said.
McIver said he was later informed the suspect led authorities on a pursuit reaching speeds of approximately 100 mph before stopping.
The driver was identified as John Desersa, 56, of Reno, Nevada.
According to information gathered during the investigation, the woman had agreed to drive Desersa to a new job in Oregon. During the trip, however, Desersa allegedly informed her that he intended to take her back to North Carolina, where the pair had previously lived together, so they could “start over again.”
Meanwhile, the woman’s current boyfriend had been attempting to locate her. Investigators learned he was able to obtain location information from a previously used cellphone after the woman purchased and activated a new phone during the trip.
Using the location data, the boyfriend and another individual drove from Nevada to Louisiana and located the family sleeping inside the SUV at the Minden truck stop.
According to police, the two men attempted to block the vehicle and retrieve the keys. Investigators believe Desersa then rammed at least two vehicles while trying to escape and struck multiple people during the encounter.
The woman and the five children, who range in age from 2 to 11 years old, were brought to Minden for initial interviews. Authorities later transported them to the Gingerbread House Children’s Advocacy Center in Shreveport before arrangements were made for their return to Nevada.
Desersa remains in custody and is expected to face charges in Webster Parish after proceedings related to the pursuit in Lincoln Parish are completed.
Current Webster Parish charges include two counts of aggravated second-degree battery, one count of aggravated assault, and leaving the scene of an accident. Authorities said Desersa’s bond currently stands at $27,500.
McIver said additional charges remain possible as investigators continue reviewing information obtained through interviews and forensic assessments. Potential charges under consideration include kidnapping and child endangerment.
The investigation remains ongoing.
All subjects are considered innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.