GARYVILLE — Police arrested a local man Monday, accused of robbing a motorist at gunpoint in St. John the Baptist Parish.

The victim told deputies he exited Monicarlo Fuel Stop and Casino in Garyville at 11:40 a.m. Thursday when a male entered his passenger side, pulled out a handgun and ordered the victim to drive to a Reserve truck stop.

The gunman then directed the victim to turn onto Rosenwald Street, where he ordered the victim to stop the vehicle and demanded money. The perpetrator then exited and fled on foot towards the railroad tracks.

Based on investigation, St. John Sheriff’s Office detectives developed Ken Bardell, 36, of Garyville as a suspect and obtained a judicial warrant for his arrest.

In a separate case, officers responded to a complaint at 3:15 a.m. Monday in reference to Bardell stealing a vehicle in Garyville, later learning the suspect fled to Gramercy.

Deputies notified the Gramercy Police Department of Bardell’s location. Gramercy officers made contact with Bardell and arrested him without incident.

He was taken to St. John Corrections and booked with theft – less than $1,000 (misdemeanor) and on a judicial warrant for armed robbery with a firearm (felony), and possession of firearm/carrying a concealed weapon by convicted felon (felony).

Bond has not been set as of Monday afternoon.

“There are not many opportunities for patrol officers to make felony arrests, especially for armed robbery,” Sheriff Mike Tregre said. “Deputy Justin Patterson is to be commended for taking the necessary investigative steps that led to the apprehension of Ken Bardell.

“Kudos to all of the officers who played a part in getting Bardell off the street, and it also shows a great work relationship between the two agencies.”

According to a release from the Sheriff’s Office, Bardell has been arrested more than 50 times in St. John Parish since 1998.