Women In Lafayette Should Be Vigilant After Three Separate Armed Robberies

According to our sister station 96.5 KPEL News, the Lafayette Police Department is currently investigating three separate armed robberies in Lafayette all in which it's victims were women. Police do believe that the three robberies over the course of the week may be connected to each other.

KPEL reports, that the first robbery happened Monday afternoon outside a business on East Vermilion Street. The victim says she was approached by a man armed with a handgun as she was leaving the business. He demanded the keys to her car, and a short time later, the car was found on Ninth Street.

On Wednesday, Paul Mouton of Lafayette Police says the next victim was unloading her van at her home on Foreman Drive when the suspect approached her armed with a handgun, demanded her keys, then drove off in the direction of West Congress.

Mouton says the third robbery happened Thursday morning on Johnston Street. The victim says she was in a parking lot when she was approached by the suspect who demanded her keys. Again, the suspect drove off, and the car was found a short time later on Voorhies.

According to Mouton, investigators strongly believe the first and third robberies are related. The suspect in those incidents is described as a black male, about 5-foot-8 inches to 5-foot-10 inches tall, weighing about 175 pounds, with a thin mustache.

We would like to take this time and remind all females in Lafayette that they should always be aware of their surroundings. If you are going to park in parking lot at night, always remember to park in an area that is well lit. If you leave your home during the daylight hours, but know in advance that you will be returning when its dark, leave a light on outside of your home. If you have to stop at a gas station at night or during the day, attempt to visit a station that seems to have a lot of traffic around it. If possible, avoid fueling up your vehicles at night.

In addition to that, avoid being on your cell phone. This is a clear indication to a potential perpetrator that you are distracted. Always remember, if you are approached by someone with a gun, obey their demands. Don't not try to fight off anyone that is or may be armed. Lastly, if at all possible, always have someone else with you. Your two best defenses in cases like what we have seen in Lafayette this week is a companion and light.

If you have any information on these cases please call Lafayette Police at (337) 291-8600

News Source: KPEL-FM