(Update) Woman robbed at gunpoint in front of children

Published 12:26 pm Thursday, March 10, 2016

RESERVE — A woman selling clothes out of her vehicle in Reserve was robbed at gunpoint in front of her children, authorities said.

Dequan Brown

Dequan Brown

One suspect was arrested four hours after the crime, and authorities are still looking for two other suspects following the violent Feb. 26 encounter.

The St. John the Baptist Parish Sheriff’s Office announced Thursday the robbery took place at approximately 7:30 p.m. Feb. 26 on East 14th Street in Reserve and involved a woman and her children.

Authorities said the victim attempted to sell clothing and other types of apparel out her car to a potential customer when three men with guns approached her and her children.

Public Relations Specialist Angel Thompson said authorities are not releasing the ages or number of children involved.

When the victim made contact with individuals she thought were potential customers, she was informed it was a “stick up,” Thompson said.

The gunmen got away with the victim’s apparel items without injury, and authorities said the victim was able to provide detectives with a description of the suspects.

Detectives arrested Dequan Brown, 21, of LaPlace the same day.

Thompson said authorities recovered some of the stolen items at Brown’s home.

Brown is being held under a $265,000 bond and is charged with armed robbery, illegal possession of stolen things and possession of a firearm by a convicted felon.

Thompson said authorities are not releasing suspect descriptions on the other two reported suspects, adding detectives are continuing to follow leads.

Anyone with information about the robbery is encouraged to call the St. John the Baptist Parish Sheriff’s Office TIPS line at 985-359-TIPS or Crimestoppers at 504-822-1111.

Callers may remain anonymous and can qualify for a cash reward.

Tips can also be submitted at stjohnsheriff.org/submitatip.php.