BELLE RIVER, La. – A 57-year-old Belle River man is behind bars after allegedly threatening two people with a shovel and stealing a wallet Saturday evening, according to Assumption Parish Sheriff Leland Falcon.
Joseph W. Manuel was arrested following an investigation into an incident in the Lachene Street area near Belle River.
According to the Assumption Parish Sheriff’s Office, deputies responded after a victim reported that a man riding a bicycle and armed with a shovel threatened him before stealing his wallet.
The victim identified the suspect as Manuel. During the investigation, deputies learned that a second person had also allegedly been threatened with the shovel.
Authorities determined there was probable cause for Manuel’s arrest. Deputies later located him near Belle River and took him into custody.
Manuel was booked into the Assumption Parish Detention Center on the following charges:
- First-Degree Robbery (Armed)
- Two Counts of Aggravated Assault
As of Monday, November 2, Manuel remained incarcerated pending a bond hearing.
