Home Invasion Suspect Shot by Homeowner

Published 4:42 pm Thursday, August 10, 2023

Hammond, LA – The Tangipahoa Parish Sheriff’s Office announces the arrest of 23 year old Samael Raynaldo Molonado-Lael of Hammond, after he forced entry into a residence and was subsequently shot by the homeowner.

Chief Jimmy Travis says in the early morning hours of August 9, 2023, Maldonado-Lael forced his way through a window of a mobile home at the La Casa Mobile Home Park on Old Baton Rouge Highway. Once inside the home, Maldonado-Lael assaulted a guest in the residence and threatened to kill the victim and her family. During the altercation, the homeowner shot Maldonado-Lael, striking him in the leg just above the knee.

At some point during the incident, Maldonado-Lael removed all of his clothing, and fled the residence. He proceeded to shatter the window of a nearby vehicle and attempted to barricade himself in the vehicle until the arrival of deputies, at which time he was physically removed from the vehicle.

Maldonado-Lael was transported to a nearby hospital  where he was treated for non-life threatening injuries resulting from the gunshot wound and lacerations sustained from the broken glass.

Maldonado-Lael was later booked into the Tangipahoa Parish Jail where he was charged with the following:

(1) count – Home Invasion

(1) count – Second Degree Battery

(1) count – Vehicle Burglary

(1) count – Resisting Arrest

Upon being interviewed by detectives, Maldonado-Lael admitted to consuming illegal narcotics prior to committing the home invasion. The homeowner and guests did not sustain injuries requiring immediate medical attention, and refused all medical aid on scene.

**All persons accused of a crime are considered innocent until proven guilty.