By Monique Roth
L’Observateur

LAPLACE — A LaPlace man accused of robbing a 70-year-old woman through strong-arm tactics in October was arrested Thursday, authorities said.

St. John the Baptist Parish Sheriff’s Office detectives arrested Keyon Richardson, 38, of 382 Fairway Drive in LaPlace Thursday in connection with a home invasion that took place on his street Oct. 20.

“His name surfaced immediately during the course of the investigation,” Sheriff Mike Tregre said, adding the victim was also able to positively identify Richardson as the suspect.

Tregre said determining Richardson’s identity was also aided with the help of video surveillance.

Richardson was arrested Thursday without incident at his residence, booked with home invasion and remains in custody in lieu of a $50,000 bond set by Judge Mary Becnel.

Keys were the only thing stolen Oct. 20 when a man forced his way into an elderly LaPlace woman’s home. No injuries were reported. The victim told deputies she was unloading her car when a man approached her from behind, forced her into the residence and demanded money. She told him the money was in the car and handed him the keys.

“When the perpetrator attempted to pull his bicycle in the residence, the victim forced the subject out of the residence and locked the door,” authorities said. “He fled the area with her keys.”

Authorities said the suspect was riding an old-style, green bike and had a gold tooth in the upper left portion of his mouth.

Tregre said a bike matching the description of the suspect’s bike — which was corroborated by surveillance footage — was found at Richardson’s residence.