TERREBONNE PARISH, La. (March 30, 2026) — Terrebonne Parish Sheriff Tim Soignet reports the arrest of a Gretna man following a violent home invasion late Sunday night.
Authorities say 32-year-old David Michael Blackwell was taken into custody in connection with the incident.
Deputies were dispatched just before 10:45 p.m. on March 29 to an apartment on Thomas Drive after receiving a call from a minor child reporting a burglary in progress.
During the call, dispatchers could hear yelling and signs of an active disturbance as the child reported that an unknown man had forced entry and was attacking her mother.
When deputies arrived, they found evidence of a struggle and observed minor injuries to the victim. Investigators say the suspect allegedly forced his way into the apartment by breaking a window and using a large wooden post.
The victim told deputies she had met the suspect earlier that day through a social media dating platform. After a brief meeting outside her residence, the man later returned uninvited, forced entry, and physically attacked her.
She reported being struck and choked during the altercation, temporarily affecting her ability to breathe.
The suspect fled before deputies arrived, but the victim provided a vehicle description and license plate number.
Deputies later located the vehicle hidden behind a building on Prospect Boulevard. A felony stop was conducted, and Blackwell was taken into custody without incident.
Investigators say additional evidence linking him to the crime was found at the scene and inside his vehicle.
Blackwell was treated at a local hospital for minor injuries before being booked into the Terrebonne Parish Criminal Justice Complex.
He faces charges of Home Invasion (Felony Battery) and is being held on a $50,000 bond.
The victim was evaluated by emergency medical personnel at the scene and later released. Her identity has not been released.
Sheriff Soignet called the incident “violent and dangerous,” praising deputies for their quick response and the bravery of the victim and her child.
Authorities are reminding the public to use caution when meeting individuals online and to report suspicious activity.
