Police arrested Deandre Cortia Harrison, 29, of the 500 block of Joel Street, for attempted second-degree rape, home invasion, sexual battery and resisting an officer by flight.
Police Chief Steve Cropper says Harrison forced his way into a home at the 1000 block of Cherry Street about 3 a.m. Sunday, and reportedly attacked the female victim.
“Officers were dispatched to Cherry Street in reference to a disturbance, and when they arrived, they were met by the female victim who indicated that she was attacked by Deandre Harrison,” he said. “Officer First Class Chris Hammontree saw Harrison flee from the back door as he was arriving.”
Hammontree identified himself as a police officer, ordered Harrison to stop, and gave chase until he lost him, the chief said.
“Officers discovered a lot of blood at the scene and the house was in disarray,” he said. “The female victim indicated Harrison forced his way into her home, attacked her and then tried to force himself on her sexually.”
The chief says the victim fought back and during the altercation, a vase fell to the floor and shattered. The victim picked up a shard from the vase and cut Harrison with it.
“At one point, he got the shard out of her hand and was still trying to force himself on her,” he said. “She somehow broke away from him and grabbed a kitchen knife in preparation to defend herself. When she saw officers arrive, she went outside.”
Harrison went to the emergency room to receive medical treatment, he said.
“That’s how we got him,” he said. “We got a call from someone at the ER saying that someone had been there with some cuts and was being treated. Officers went to the ER and arrested Harrison.”
After treatment of his wounds, Harrison was then transported to Bayou Dorcheat Correctional Center.