By ROBIN SHANNON

L’Observateur

LAPLACE – St. John the Baptist Parish sheriff’s deputies are searching for a Baton Rouge man accused of trying to kidnap his 16-year-old ex-girlfriend from her LaPlace home on Jan. 6.

Capt. Dane Clement, spokesman for the Sheriff’s Office, said Javon Carrier, 19, of 1331 Sherwood Forest Blvd., Baton Rouge, is wanted on second-degree kidnapping charges. Authorities believe Carrier, who stands about 5 feet, 6 inches tall, weighing 140 pounds, could be in Lafayette with family.

Clement said when deputies were called out to the girl’s home in the 1200 block of East Airline Highway, the girl told investigators she had recently broken up with Carrier, but he continued attempts to communicate with her after she asked him to stop.

When she returned home from school that day, Carrier was waiting for her, Clement said. Carrier approached her with a knife in his hand and told her to get in her car. With the knife still in his hand, Carrier sat in the passenger seat and continued to threaten her as she drove. Carrier demanded that she drive to Baton Rouge.

The victim told deputies that as the drive went on, she was able to gain Carrier’s trust by telling him things he wanted to hear and agreeing with him, Clement said. When they arrived at Carrier’s home the victim said she had to go to work but would return later. He then exited the car at let the girl leave.

Anyone who may have information about the whereabouts of Carrier is asked to call St. John the Baptist Parish Sheriff’s Office at 985-652-6338 or any local law enforcement agency.