LAPLACE — A LaPlace motorist looking to give two people in need a free ride to a local hotel ended up losing his car and money at gunpoint following a violent carjacking that has police asking the public for help.

On Monday afternoon, St. John Sheriff’s Office detectives released photos of two people identified as persons of interest.

Officers responded to U.S. 61 and Main Street in LaPlace at approximately 6 p.m. Sunday, making contact with a victim, who reported two men had requested a ride to a nearby hotel — a request the victim granted.

While driving to the hotel, the victim reported one of the passengers produced a handgun and demanded money. He also demanded the driver relinquish control of the vehicle while the trio was headed north on U.S. 51.

When the victim exited the car to the highway’s shoulder, the suspects fled in the 2003 white Toyota Corolla.

Police said the ensuing investigation led to the release of pictures and “persons of interest” designations.

As of Tuesday morning, no arrests had been made and the Corolla had not been recovered.

Readers who can identify the men or provide information about the carjacking are asked to contact Detective Carolina Pineda of the Criminal Investigations Division at 985-359-8722, the Sheriff’s Office TIPS line at 985-359-TIPS or dispatch at 985-652-6338. Tips can be submitted online at
stjohnsheriff.org/submitatip.php.