By MOLLY DRYMAN

Staff Reporter

LAPLACE — A Reserve man allegedly kidnapped a LaPlace woman after entering her unlocked car on West Fifth Street.

He has since been arrested and charged with sexual battery and forcible seizing, according to the St. John Sheriff’s Office.

Russell LeBoeuf, 54, was arrested on Feb. 27 and charged with simple kidnap forcible seizing or carrying and sexual battery by fondling of victim by offender.

&#8220The victim reported leaving her house around 9:30 p.m. on Feb. 26,” said Sgt. Dane Clement, spokesman for the St. John Parish

Sheriff’s Office. &#8220When she got to West Fifth Street, she said LeBoeuf, which she is acquainted with, entered her car from the passenger side, and forced her to drive around LaPlace.”

Clement said that LeBoeuf allegedly told the victim to drive to a local motel.

&#8220She reported that LeBoeuf fondled her genitalia on the outside of her clothing, choked her and struck her several times,” Clement said.

&#8220The victim said the following morning she managed to escape and notified the Sheriff’s Office.”

Clement said that during the examination of the victim, visual signs of bruising were found on her neck and behind her ear.

LeBoeuf was arrested and placed on a $13,750 bond, but later was released after the bond was posted.